Orson Welles: A Retrospective

One of the most creative and influential forces in 20th century American popular culture Orson Welles is under the spotlight in this brilliant retrospective at GOMA.

The extensive programme covers everything from his work as a theatre wunderkind and radio king including the infamous radio broadcast War of the Worlds in 1938, his television work, shorts and documentaries through his now classic feature films (as director) and highlights of his prolific acting career.

Opening on Apr 5 with screenings of his first 2 feature films from 1942 – the extraordinary Citizen Kane and The Magnificent Ambersons - the retrospective continues on Wednesday and Saturday evenings (Audi GOMA bar opens on Saturdays from 5.30) and Sundays.

Featured are his 12 classic films as director including the brilliant A Touch of Evil, Othello and Macbeth as well as The Third Man and Compulsion from his illustrious acting career, television episodes, radio broadcasts, and the 1973 documentary F for Fake.

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Free programme highlights include:

Too Much Johnson – The Australian premiere of the recently discovered and restored 1938 slapstick comedy that was initially intended to be shown in conjunction with a stage version of the William Gillette play but never completed. In 2013 it was received with rapturous applause when it played for the first time throughout Europe. Playing in conjunction with Orson Welles’s first feature film shot in the halls of Todd School in 1934: The Hearts of Age. May 18 11am Free

Radio – You’ve seen his films, now hear Orson Welles’s famous radio broadcasts (War of the Worlds, The Green Goddess and The Adventures of Harry Lime) over three Sundays in GOMA Cinematheque. Between 1936 and 1941 Orson Welles was involved in over 100 radio productions as writer, actor and director. His most infamous was the 1938 broadcast of War of the Worlds which was alleged to have caused wide spread panic amongst listeners and shot him to instant world-wide fame.
WOTW - Apr 13 11am, TAHL – Apr 27 11.30, TGG – May 4 11.30. Free

QAGOMA 50+ After Hours – War of the Worlds: Power and Legend- The 1938 broadcast of War of the Worlds, its ramifications for mass media communication which continue today and the rarely explored intentions of Orson Welles is examined by UQ Associate Professor in Film and Television Studies Jason Jacobs in this fascinating talk which also includes a broadcast of War of the Worlds 1938. May 13 5.30pm. Free. Bookings essential