I wrote about this clip a long time ago, of Orson Welles transforming himself into Falstaff at a makeup mirror, talking about Falstaff, and then turning INTO Falstaff – a “bit” that appeared on The Dean Martin Show. Then the clip vanished from YouTube. I don’t know why. I mourned the loss. Because this is such a unique “bit,” and only Welles could do it – with the same amount of unashamed bombast, humor, and confidence. Also: once upon a time, we lived on a planet where stuff like this happened on network television. What?
Anyway: Enjoy. It may vanish from Youtube again, so you should jump on it.
It’s a clip to submit to. The world is so fast. Something like this requires your full attention. It’s worth it.
I love everything about this. Especially the band playing (is that green sleeves?) behind him. I imagine the meeting where a director says, “yes but let’s add some music!”
hahahaha Yes, Greensleeves!!
I’m trying to picture those initial meetings. “So, Orson, what would you like to do during your appearance?”
Orson says what he wants to do.
Long silence.
But I’m just so happy this exists!