Orson Welles’ Julius Caesar

Alternative title: Julius Caesar Caesar
Synopsis: A Mercury Theatre production. Stage directions and scenes not recorded are narrated by Welles. The Mercury Text recording makes no attempt to re-create the Broadway production. Also includes Maurice Evans in four scenes from Richard II, and the ‘England’ speeches from Richard II and Henry V presented by’The British War Relief Society’ and recorded January 1941.

Julius Caesar: I i, I ii, II i, II ii, III ii, AIII iii, IV i, IV ii, V i.
Richard II: II ii, III iii, IV i, V v
Henry V: III i
Series: Mercury Text Records
Language: English
Country: United States
Medium: Audio
Year of release: 1999
Transmission details: (Channel: CBS)
Duration: 148 mins

General: The Mercury ‘Theatre on the Air’ radio production of Julius Caesar was recorded June 28, 29, July 1,4 and 5 1938 in New York. Welles tried to achieve the contemporary feel of the stage production (set in the 1930s) by using narration by CBS news reporter H.V. Kaltenborn who provides running commentary drawn from Plutarch, Shakespeare’s source for the play. The Maurice Evans extracts from Richard II and Henry V ‘were recorded January 1941.

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British Universities Film & Video Council