This man introduced the bit, got in a fat suit, put on makeup, prosthetics, eyebrows, mustache and wig, described the character he was to play while doing all of the above, and then performed an impeccable monologue of that character in six and a half minutes. What a talent!
Yeah and then for your kids as well, and their grand-kids, and we can all celebrate the writing of one man from the middle ages until the end of time, never progressing or writing anything new, because Shakespear nailed it the first time. Why write anything? Why make new TV shows? just play Shakespear on repeat until the end of time.
@@TommyLikeTom You seem kinds butt hurt, Tommy. Perhaps you don't appreciate this Art, but many younger people might; if given a chance to see it on TV.
@@TommyLikeTom There's room for both. We want both. More theatre. More! MORE! Oh for a muse of fire, who would ascend the brightest heaven of invention.
Imagine, in 2015, a prime-time TV show devoting almost ten minutes to a lone man on a bare stage, putting on makeup and quietly reciting Shakespeare. Civility, culture, dignity and a pace that requires calm focus. We won't be seeing the likes of this any time soon. There was no one like Orson Welles.
I was about to say something similar, but saw your excellent comment and decided against it. I would like to add, for those almost 10 minutes, I'd never have realized I was watching "The Dean Martin Show". My respect for Dean Martin and the producers of his show has no bounds after viewing this.
Long before the microwave, internet and instant gratification culture we have today. People had longer attention spans back then -as well a deeper appreciation of culture and the arts.
Orson Welles called me out when I was 5 years old for staring at him while he was talking to a lighting grip on a scaffolding while Orson and his crew were setting up to film the opening sequences of "In Touch Of Evil" that night on Venice Beach. "Why is that child staring at me?" Orson said to the crowd, then turned and disappeared into the night of Venice Beach!
"He was what you might call a "swinger". Only, in 15th century they didn't call em swingers, but they swung, and nobody more so than Sir John". Marvelous
It's amazing him literally becoming another character. The way I can watch him dress up and forget that he's Orson welles when he starts acting is fantastic.
And THAT, my friend, is what is SORELY LACKING in the majority of TODAY'S film "actors" (note I didn't say 'stage'). THIS man had a PASSION for his CRAFT. So few have that true talent. The rest are phonies - or rely on CGI.
@@musicom67 🙄 Such pretentious bullshit. There are plenty of great actors today, just as there were plenty of shit actors back then. People who act otherwise and spout such masturbatory pseudointellectual bullshit are just trying to show off how superior their supposed intellect is & how much more cultured they think they are, primarily by using such pseudo-academic language & appealing to nostalgia incredibly hard. But in fact, for the most part, these types haven't even bothered to WATCH any of the modern films or TV shows that they're always shitting on (at least not with an objective viewpoint - without having already deemed them garbage before their opening credits even rolled) and are completely unfamiliar with the filmographies of the actors & actresses they're constantly denigrating.
@@omnirhythm Not really. Sounds like you're only familiar with the outtakes from the infamous Paul Masson Wine ad that he did in the 1980s - when he was near the end of his life, becoming more and more upset and stressed over the fact that the ONLY way he was able to make HIS movies was by taking literally any acting gig that came his way and doing high-paying but highly-degrading advertisements in order to secure funding independently since the Hollywood Studios blacklisted him (except when they needed to profit off his legacy), becoming increasingly stressed because of the absurdly fraught production of what eventually became his final film (as an actor AND as a director), which he had already literally 10+ years trying to make by then and was forced to edit the film literally by hand with actual scissors in the spare room of a friend's house that he sweet-talked his way into being able to live in rent-free while simultaneously fighting an incredibly fraught legal battle over the rights to that film after a conman stole all the funds for it and fled, only to come back after filming wrapped trying to claim ownership of the film negatives. Because of all this and so, so much more, he was in the worst state of his life around then and eventually broke his legendary professionalism, resulting in the infamous wine ad and its outtakes. They're HARDLY representative of Orson, his work, his abilities, and his general work ethic. It was literally the only time in his career that anything like that ever happened. Btw, regarding his final film (but not the final film _that he completed in his lifetime_ - which is the incredible _F for Fake,_ up on TH-cam for free iirc) - _The Other Side of the Wind_ - which he was forced to do such degrading ads in otder to fund: he would ultimately not quite finish the editing process before he died and then almost immediately, in a crazy turn of events involving an Iranian company who partially financed the picture being taken over by the new Anti-Western Iranian government thanks to US foreign policy, the Iranian government seizing all of the film negatives, and them eventually somehow being locked away for decades in some vault in Paris until some company or another won a legal battle for ownership of them, then eventually sold the distribution rights to Netflix so that Orson Welles' friend (and final roommate) Peter Bogdonavich could complete the editing process as closely to Orson's vision as he felt he could, and then finally release it. And they eventually DID release it...on Netflix in 2018, alongside a great documentary on Orson, his last years, and the production HELL that was his final picture - *57 years* after Welles originally conceived of the project, *52 years* after he began writing it, roughly *48 years* after filming began, *42 years* after filming wrapped and Welles began his 10-year process of editing it until his death, *33 years* after his death - which put the project into stasis for 13 years, *20 years* after Bogdonavich & co finally got the legal rights to get the film out of that Paris vault and finish the picture after those long 13 years, but then had to spend a further _16_ years fighting legal battles and desperately searching for funding, and *4 years* after all that bullshit finally got all squared away and they could finally knuckle down and finish the film with EVERYTHING that they needed to do it, exactly the way Orson would have done it, and finally release it OFFICIALLY. After a production hell of 40-ish to 50-ish fucking years.
Jester---in those few words, Mr. Welles made Elizabethan England come-to-life with amazingly vivid believability. I felt I was there. As Shakespeare wrote, Falstaff was the wittiest & merriest of men; not only that, but the cause of wit in other men.
There jas always been a nostalgia, a longing for the good old days in English literature. Even in Chaucer and throughout Shakespeare. Falstaff is the old days.
Orson Welles was the greatest actor of stage and screen ever. Mystical. Entirely singular. Brilliant in the extreme. He could become Othello. He was Harry Lime. He could speak Chinese. And at 25, never having worked in movies, produced the greatest film that was, is or will ever be made.
Orson Welles aficianados, who are celebrating the 100th anniversary of his birth, are reminded by this segment from the late 60s, that Welles portrayed Falstaff in Chimes At Midnight, a film that he directed in Europe in 1965, that was released in the United States in 1966. Welles co-starred with Keith Baxter, Sir John Gielgud and Jeanne Moreau. The film was not a commercial success, largely due to a negative New York Times critic's review, but it has developed a new appreciation over the years, like many of Welles' films.
I am at a loss to name any actors today that could emulate what Mr. Welles so eloquently accomplished in this incredible and brief presentation. No doubt, his exceptional natural voice was a great assist in all his presentations, but to be able to physically present a character like this so thoroughly in a very short period of time is a representation of excellence in stage performance of which little in our current world can come close to achieving. Maybe there are a few actors out there that could do this... but I cannot think of one at this time.
Yes, very true but Kenneth Branaugh (sorry about spelling) & Daniel Day-Lewis come to mind. Kevin Spacey is another one, maybe Al Pacino since they've both done Shakespeare productions here and in England. Spacey was/is director of the Old Vic. Denzel Washington is another, he's done it onstage and film
Well, the late Philip Michael Hoffman could attempted such a rendition, although i'm not sure he was a Shakesperian trained actor. We all know Robin Williams in comic jest could easily attempt such a performance.
All credance and gratitude to the producers of The Dean Martin Show to allow Orson a full 10 minutes to re-enact Falstaff, and to capture this for all time. See how his own character blends in so impercetibly to that of the portrayed character. Look closely, you are witnessing true genius in action and verse. His like will not be seen again by me I feel in my remaining life. What a wonderful majesty it was to see him in full flight. Remarkable and irreplaceable. There is nothing at all like him today.
Imagine having a man like Orson Welles, so versed in the bard, and blackballing him from hollywood because you're jealous. Bunch of cowards. Don't trust a single one of those critics from his era that praise him. They ALL shat on him.
I saw "A Christmas Carol " at The McCarter Theater in Princeton N.J. in 1980. When the cast came out at the end, Scrooge had removed his makeup and I saw that he was in his 20's and not the 70 year old man that I watched in the play. Because of that magic that actually fooled me into thinking that he was this character, I became a Makeup Artist and have been for 35 years. The incredible changes that can be made with just a few smears of greasepaint, nose putty and a wig are something that I can never forget.
I'm certain they had an applause sign in the studio, but at that moment his make-up complete, dons Falstaff's cap, and steps from the mirror and into the scene, you can sense a genuine moment of excitement from an audience already well-enthralled and eager for more. Simply masterful. I love that so many young people are getting exposure to masters like Orson (and Brando) without the sniveling news media of their day that constanly sought to knock them down for doing it their way. Hollywood was fearful of Orson's autodidacticism and instead of getting out of hi way, and giving him everything they needed to do it his way, they constantly fought him in a futile attempt to control his limitless potential. Then as now, studio heads and executives fancy themselves the "real talent" and senselessly meddle in things just to get their personal stink on it. With the rare ones like Orson, they met their match. He didn't care what they thought. He knew that they knew was the best and he didn't care about kowtowing to their (the studio's) needs. That's why eventually he just said "Get everything you need quickly because I'm only going to be here for a short time and then I'm on to the next gig!" They were always trying to figure new angles to control him and once they did, he was already gone and onto the next thing. That's why the brief moments of genius he managed to leave behind (like this) are so important. Thus clips are almost a way of him coming back from beyond the grave and saying, "See, I told you they're gonna love me when I'm dead!"
I happen to be reading Walter Isaacson's book on Leonardo da Vinci and the career of Welles reminds me of the Renaissance man. Undoubtedly a genius, both men would start projects, meet resistance, and then not complete them. But what Hollywood did with the incredible talent of Mr Welles was truly a crime! There are great clips from Dean's show but the films this man could have made!
Surely Orson Welles’ performance of Sir John is wonderful. But even more so is the element of transformation: How it begins with a “common“ person who seemingly strolls in off the street then slowly transforms before your eyes into a completely different person. As such this act is a symbol of how every artist -every kind- endeavors to create something out of nothing.
+Robert Butler Absolutely. It's the magician-like demonstration of the putting on of the character: demythologized: the paint, the beard, the cup. Then he tucks his chin in and squints and Welles is vanished and here's John. That's acting.
It is as if Welles was born merely to embody Falstaff, and Falstaff was written to have a pulse in Wells's veins.. It's the greatest bromance despite the three hundred years time gap and the fact that one of them is real and the other fictional.. They have heard the chimes at midnight
Farewell to our sir Orson.How nature could see fit to us rob this merrie soul.This splendid man.Were it not for he..well sir John Falstaff would never be.Alas..a glass of cherrie-sac hath this day been raised to thee!
@@adelhartreisig9020 As though every last Brit should be placed on the same level as Shakespeare. Thank God for excellence. And Thank God we don't give prizes to everyone who enters a contest.
Orson Welles played Falstaff in the film Chimes at Midnight. He also played Macbeth and Othello in films. His Shakespeare was sublime. He also wrote, directed, and starred in many of the films that he made.
I saw this as a young man during Christmas time and Falstaff always reminded me of the bounty of the season and the new year. thanks Orson and Will. there will never be such talents as these again!
I closely watched the makeup, the costume, and hair. I admit I had low expectations for the monologue, even full knowing the talent. But the incredible Mr. Welles did not disappoint. Bravo!
Wow,, what a spiel, and given with perfect tenor, To me. But Recalling the guys I knew who drank Falstaff beer, they called it , Fall Flats ! Haa. This was worth to time to view, thanks !
It is so hard to even remember all those lines but to say them all quickly and with meaning under strong lights and with an audience is a feat far more difficult than we can imagine. I am in awe of these actors especial the ones that can play Hamlet ,my god its like learning a 500 page book and then reciting it all back.
If you look closely, I'm pretty sure there are some cue cards he consults occasionally BUT that should take nothing away from this magnificent performance and the depth of Mr. Welles' talent. There has never been someone as blessed as he was with the gifts and imagination he possessed. He would probably agree that he never lived up to the promise of those gifts but my goodness what a life and talent. Truly one of the greats. 💖
I can well imagine some TV exec complaining about the amount of time devoted to the makeup application and the dead space where he isn't speaking, but its just so awesome and interesting. The up steps Sir John, and this is one of those monologues that needs the context. "To be or not to be", "Tomorrow and tomorrow", or any number of others are famous enough you could launch right in and be fairly certain of the audience being with you, but for Dean's show and the feel of the time this one was perfect.
Don't let the makeup distract you. Yes, it's a serviceable look, but close your eyes and listen again. Radio artist that he was, he pours so much of the character into the voice.
@@Tmanaz480 I was a theatre actor for years, but it was the study of voiceover technique that completed the training I had not had in speech. Doing voiceover, you have only your voice and sense of timing to get everything across. Studying singing helps, too.
There are rare and particular moments that I am thankful for technology. Watching this magnificent artist share his gift is one them. Just a few minutes long but enough to bring into focus for anyone the inherent value of Shakespeare and Welles. It leaves me stirred to go back and explore the writings and productions glimpsed. Share this with those around you who might be sparked by such a beautiful creative spirit.
I recall seeing this when it was originally broadcast when I was a child. It must have been broadcast in the late 60's or early to mid 70's. It is impressive.
I'm 50 years old now, but when I grow up I hope to be as refined as Orson Welles. On another note, this was a brilliant skit-- from the opening to the actual performance. I can see how this influenced the fourth wall breaks in Spike Jonze's videos, or those of Michel Gondry.
I really enjoyed his work and still listen to all of his awesome radio works! I always thought of him as very talented and very creative and most of all very entertaining! Thanks for sharing.
Welles' exposition of the character of Falstaff, while showing, with insouciance, the craft of applying stage make-up, is a wonder and privilege to behold. (Either it was unscripted with some forethought given to what he would say, or it was tightly scripted, and delivered in the seeming "off-the-cuff" manner that only the very best acting, especially Shakespeareian acting, displays.) His departure from the make-up "mirror" (there isn't one, and he still applies his make-up flawlessly) garners his first ovation: His delectable delivery of the Bard's Elegant English garners his second. And a paean to a particular strong drink, on "The Dean Martin Show?" PERFECT. (Yes, boys and girls, once upon a time, Network TV was often this good.)
I remember watching this with my dad when I was a kid (10 yrs old or a little less) and when it was over I looked at him and he said "Wow, that's incredible," and I agreed. That's how good this is.
Simply put, a Legend among acting legends demonstrating make-up application, explanation of part, and great acting - All done in less than 7 Minutes! Mr. Welles didn't have to blow his own horn, either - - BRAVO!
Orson Welles was such an immense talent and we are so fortunate to have much of his legacy preserved on film and in these interviews: a true master who slips effortlessly through the window of transformation; an inspiration to artists from every realm.
It’s not just Orson that makes the Dean Martin Show so needed (and it was highly rated), but many of these programs had balance, seriousness with silly, which we do NOT have today. Note also how Orson changed before your eyes, which added the dramatic flare, but he also drew you in and he turned on a dime into Falstaff
One of the cool things about Orson was that as highbrow as he could be, he was also very comfortable in the company of misfits, thieves, and the downtrodden. He saw life through both sides.
Chimes at Midnight is a great film and Orson Welles’ performance in it is magnetic. He gives a performance that’s both tragic and comic and pulls it off beautifully.
Though the monologue has bits of it removed from the original (obviously for the sake of time) Orson Welles does a great job of making it seem seamless.
A timeless visit to a 20th-century electronic version of the Globe Theater. Mr. Welles brings Sir John Falstaff to life in such astounding fashion as to make the immortal Bard of Avon's heart swell with pride. As with sherris sack itself, this clip is only a short, small sampling of the jovial old fellow's full soliloquy. Never before has the rotund, merry taverngoer been portrayed more warmly or engagingly than as presented here by Mr. Welles, who clearly knew a thing or two about stagecraft. To spend these few priceless moments back in the Elizabethan Era with Sir John is wonderful. Orson Welles, Falstaff, and sherris sack---I'll drink to all of them!
This man introduced the bit, got in a fat suit, put on makeup, prosthetics, eyebrows, mustache and wig, described the character he was to play while doing all of the above, and then performed an impeccable monologue of that character in six and a half minutes. What a talent!
One of the greatest talents of the 20th Century.
@@Garbanzo884 He is really Great!
Couldn’t say it better myself!
It was really impressive to be fair!
That's the video
Imagine a Shakespearean monologue being performed on primetime American television today.
@@crixxxxxxxxx i grew up in a dying wasteland
Yeah and then for your kids as well, and their grand-kids, and we can all celebrate the writing of one man from the middle ages until the end of time, never progressing or writing anything new, because Shakespear nailed it the first time. Why write anything? Why make new TV shows? just play Shakespear on repeat until the end of time.
@@TommyLikeTom You seem kinds butt hurt, Tommy. Perhaps you don't appreciate this Art, but many younger people might; if given a chance to see it on TV.
@@TommyLikeTom There's room for both. We want both. More theatre. More! MORE! Oh for a muse of fire, who would ascend the brightest heaven of invention.
ahhhhhhhhh the french 🍻
Imagine, in 2015, a prime-time TV show devoting almost ten minutes to a lone man on a bare stage, putting on makeup and quietly reciting Shakespeare. Civility, culture, dignity and a pace that requires calm focus. We won't be seeing the likes of this any time soon. There was no one like Orson Welles.
I was about to say something similar, but saw your excellent comment and decided against it. I would like to add, for those almost 10 minutes, I'd never have realized I was watching "The Dean Martin Show". My respect for Dean Martin and the producers of his show has no bounds after viewing this.
Call it 'progress'.
Long before the microwave, internet and instant gratification culture we have today. People had longer attention spans back then -as well a deeper appreciation of culture and the arts.
And there will never be another.
@@TotalSinging I get that you're saying microwaves because they cook food fast, but that's still a strange thing to include.
"when even villainy was innocent" Orson Welles was refined and very well versed..
That runs as a beautiful iambic-pentameter, five-foot line.
That he was.
2:06
Of course he was. He was a man of the theatre.
Which when we consider the present villainy today perpetrated by our "elected," leaders,, it should be more innocent, no? Much more !
Orson Welles called me out when I was 5 years old for staring at him while he was talking to a lighting grip on a scaffolding while Orson and his crew were setting up to film the opening sequences of "In Touch Of Evil" that night on Venice Beach. "Why is that child staring at me?" Orson said to the crowd, then turned and disappeared into the night of Venice Beach!
holy shit thats scary
"He was what you might call a "swinger". Only, in 15th century they didn't call em swingers, but they swung, and nobody more so than Sir John". Marvelous
Aleksandar Milosiev of course , he meant 16th century. Not sure Orson got the term ‘swinger’ right either
Henry IV is set in the 15th century.@@mcnulty70
It's amazing him literally becoming another character. The way I can watch him dress up and forget that he's Orson welles when he starts acting is fantastic.
And THAT, my friend, is what is SORELY LACKING in the majority of TODAY'S film "actors" (note I didn't say 'stage'). THIS man had a PASSION for his CRAFT. So few have that true talent. The rest are phonies - or rely on CGI.
He metamorphosed before our eyes. Remarkable!
@@musicom67 🙄 Such pretentious bullshit. There are plenty of great actors today, just as there were plenty of shit actors back then. People who act otherwise and spout such masturbatory pseudointellectual bullshit are just trying to show off how superior their supposed intellect is & how much more cultured they think they are, primarily by using such pseudo-academic language & appealing to nostalgia incredibly hard. But in fact, for the most part, these types haven't even bothered to WATCH any of the modern films or TV shows that they're always shitting on (at least not with an objective viewpoint - without having already deemed them garbage before their opening credits even rolled) and are completely unfamiliar with the filmographies of the actors & actresses they're constantly denigrating.
@@dildonius anyways, one could argue he's never acting and always just being himself- wine incarnate.
@@omnirhythm Not really. Sounds like you're only familiar with the outtakes from the infamous Paul Masson Wine ad that he did in the 1980s - when he was near the end of his life, becoming more and more upset and stressed over the fact that the ONLY way he was able to make HIS movies was by taking literally any acting gig that came his way and doing high-paying but highly-degrading advertisements in order to secure funding independently since the Hollywood Studios blacklisted him (except when they needed to profit off his legacy), becoming increasingly stressed because of the absurdly fraught production of what eventually became his final film (as an actor AND as a director), which he had already literally 10+ years trying to make by then and was forced to edit the film literally by hand with actual scissors in the spare room of a friend's house that he sweet-talked his way into being able to live in rent-free while simultaneously fighting an incredibly fraught legal battle over the rights to that film after a conman stole all the funds for it and fled, only to come back after filming wrapped trying to claim ownership of the film negatives. Because of all this and so, so much more, he was in the worst state of his life around then and eventually broke his legendary professionalism, resulting in the infamous wine ad and its outtakes. They're HARDLY representative of Orson, his work, his abilities, and his general work ethic. It was literally the only time in his career that anything like that ever happened.
Btw, regarding his final film (but not the final film _that he completed in his lifetime_ - which is the incredible _F for Fake,_ up on TH-cam for free iirc) - _The Other Side of the Wind_ - which he was forced to do such degrading ads in otder to fund: he would ultimately not quite finish the editing process before he died and then almost immediately, in a crazy turn of events involving an Iranian company who partially financed the picture being taken over by the new Anti-Western Iranian government thanks to US foreign policy, the Iranian government seizing all of the film negatives, and them eventually somehow being locked away for decades in some vault in Paris until some company or another won a legal battle for ownership of them, then eventually sold the distribution rights to Netflix so that Orson Welles' friend (and final roommate) Peter Bogdonavich could complete the editing process as closely to Orson's vision as he felt he could, and then finally release it. And they eventually DID release it...on Netflix in 2018, alongside a great documentary on Orson, his last years, and the production HELL that was his final picture - *57 years* after Welles originally conceived of the project, *52 years* after he began writing it, roughly *48 years* after filming began, *42 years* after filming wrapped and Welles began his 10-year process of editing it until his death, *33 years* after his death - which put the project into stasis for 13 years, *20 years* after Bogdonavich & co finally got the legal rights to get the film out of that Paris vault and finish the picture after those long 13 years, but then had to spend a further _16_ years fighting legal battles and desperately searching for funding, and *4 years* after all that bullshit finally got all squared away and they could finally knuckle down and finish the film with EVERYTHING that they needed to do it, exactly the way Orson would have done it, and finally release it OFFICIALLY. After a production hell of 40-ish to 50-ish fucking years.
'He was a spokesman for merry England, the old merry England of May mornings and mid summer eves when even villainy was innocent'
Never was villainy innocent of course, but what a powerful image that is.
@@hawkiebaby "It is metaphore that accomplishes the supremely difficult task of naming everything."
-I don't know who
Jester---in those few words, Mr. Welles made Elizabethan England come-to-life with amazingly vivid believability. I felt I was there. As Shakespeare wrote, Falstaff was the wittiest & merriest of men; not only that, but the cause of wit in other men.
I'm not saying Falstaff is all that similar to Tom Bombadil, but a few things do match up
There jas always been a nostalgia, a longing for the good old days in English literature. Even in Chaucer and throughout Shakespeare. Falstaff is the old days.
He was an actor's actor, a director's director, a performer's performer. One of the greats.
No better actor was ever a better director.
As a Brit Orson understood the English language and story telling, we definitely appreciate this great American and the mastery he showed in his art
cool
@@grawakendream8980 That is pretty cool, isn't it?
Orson Welles was American.
Orson Welles was the greatest actor of stage and screen ever. Mystical. Entirely singular. Brilliant in the extreme. He could become Othello. He was Harry Lime. He could speak Chinese. And at 25, never having worked in movies, produced the greatest film that was, is or will ever be made.
After a gallon of Domecq Sherry I can speak Chinese. ❤
And radio!
@@TheMovieUniverse Quite so! The Mercury Theatre On The Air.
@@jupiterlegrand4817 And countless performances across many shows.
Pure genius. Let us pause in awe, admiration, and sadness that his like will not pass this way again.
yet remain thankful for his well documented existence
He is simply one of the most fascinating people I’ve ever come across.
Wow just wow 😊
We literally live in a lesser time
We should speak more of this prolific performer. He was a man without equal and he shan’t be forgotten.
Orson was right when he opined, “Boy, are they going to love me when I’m dead.”
Orson Welles aficianados, who are celebrating the 100th anniversary of his birth, are reminded by this segment from the late 60s, that Welles portrayed Falstaff in Chimes At Midnight, a film that he directed in Europe in 1965, that was released in the United States in 1966. Welles co-starred with Keith Baxter, Sir John Gielgud and Jeanne Moreau. The film was not a commercial success, largely due to a negative New York Times critic's review, but it has developed a new appreciation over the years, like many of Welles' films.
Peak acting. So much can be learned from this performance. He truly rests now as one of the greatest.
Just seen this marvelous performance again , heartwarming and wonderful, we have few such actors today. Applause great soul.
I am at a loss to name any actors today that could emulate what Mr. Welles so eloquently accomplished in this incredible and brief presentation.
No doubt, his exceptional natural voice was a great assist in all his presentations, but to be able to physically present a character like this so thoroughly in a very short period of time is a representation of excellence in stage performance of which little in our current world can come close to achieving.
Maybe there are a few actors out there that could do this... but I cannot think of one at this time.
Yes, very true but Kenneth Branaugh (sorry about spelling) & Daniel Day-Lewis come to mind. Kevin Spacey is another one, maybe Al Pacino since they've both done Shakespeare productions here and in England. Spacey was/is director of the Old Vic. Denzel Washington is another, he's done it onstage and film
Well, the late Philip Michael Hoffman could attempted such a rendition, although i'm not sure he was a Shakesperian trained actor. We all know Robin Williams in comic jest could easily attempt such a performance.
Brian Cox would be a great Falstaff.
Simon Russel Beale is up there.
Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, Judi Dench, and many others, mostly in the UK.
All credance and gratitude to the producers of The Dean Martin Show to allow Orson a full 10 minutes to re-enact Falstaff, and to capture this for all time. See how his own character blends in so impercetibly to that of the portrayed character. Look closely, you are witnessing true genius in action and verse. His like will not be seen again by me I feel in my remaining life. What a wonderful majesty it was to see him in full flight. Remarkable and irreplaceable. There is nothing at all like him today.
I feel honored to live in the same time as Orson Welles
"THIS VALOR COMES OF SHERRIS!"
I would venture a guess that sales of sherry would increase solely on a commercial from this material.
I love this man.
One of the very greatest. This performance of that speech is beyond comparison. Genius.
Imagine having a man like Orson Welles, so versed in the bard, and blackballing him from hollywood because you're jealous. Bunch of cowards. Don't trust a single one of those critics from his era that praise him. They ALL shat on him.
There's a reason Orson connected so well with the character of Sir John Falstaff. They were very similar, for better or worse.
The things that went into them were similar, in quality and quantity; the things that came out could hardly have been more different.
I saw "A Christmas Carol " at The McCarter Theater in Princeton N.J. in 1980. When the cast came out at the end, Scrooge had removed his makeup and I saw that he was in his 20's and not the 70 year old man that I watched in the play. Because of that magic that actually fooled me into thinking that he was this character, I became a Makeup Artist and have been for 35 years. The incredible changes that can be made with just a few smears of greasepaint, nose putty and a wig are something that I can never forget.
I'm certain they had an applause sign in the studio, but at that moment his make-up complete, dons Falstaff's cap, and steps from the mirror and into the scene, you can sense a genuine moment of excitement from an audience already well-enthralled and eager for more. Simply masterful. I love that so many young people are getting exposure to masters like Orson (and Brando) without the sniveling news media of their day that constanly sought to knock them down for doing it their way. Hollywood was fearful of Orson's autodidacticism and instead of getting out of hi way, and giving him everything they needed to do it his way, they constantly fought him in a futile attempt to control his limitless potential. Then as now, studio heads and executives fancy themselves the "real talent" and senselessly meddle in things just to get their personal stink on it. With the rare ones like Orson, they met their match. He didn't care what they thought. He knew that they knew was the best and he didn't care about kowtowing to their (the studio's) needs. That's why eventually he just said "Get everything you need quickly because I'm only going to be here for a short time and then I'm on to the next gig!" They were always trying to figure new angles to control him and once they did, he was already gone and onto the next thing. That's why the brief moments of genius he managed to leave behind (like this) are so important. Thus clips are almost a way of him coming back from beyond the grave and saying, "See, I told you they're gonna love me when I'm dead!"
Can you imagine someone doing Shakespeare like this on any TV show today? It would never happen. And we are the poorer for it
Perhaps Patrick Stewart or Ian McKellen. Check out Patrick Stewart doing the letter "B" on Sesame Street.
True.
You could try and make one now if it means enough to ya?
Check out public television
None of the late night guys would have this. Well, maybe Conan, but he's gone.
And they talk about Brando's greatness. No comparison. Welles was the Great American Talent.
The role he was born to play.
Rest in Peace Sir
The kind of thing that should be uploaded and archived to be shared and watched by future generations.
I happen to be reading Walter Isaacson's book on Leonardo da Vinci and the career of Welles reminds me of the Renaissance man. Undoubtedly a genius, both men would start projects, meet resistance, and then not complete them. But what Hollywood did with the incredible talent of Mr Welles was truly a crime! There are great clips from Dean's show but the films this man could have made!
I agree. BTW, I worked with him. See my story at www.imdb.com./name/nm2827073
But Bruce, at least we have the mighty "Chimes at Midnight", now fully restored, so we can revel forever in Orson's Falstaff!
Watch the ones he did make. His Macbeth, for instance.
Pretty valid comparison.
I feel so lucky to have seen this. OW was such a talent.
Orson Welles was a G E N I U S
Transformed his appearance and voice. He became the character. A great talent. A great actor. Wonderful.
It is called ACTING.
Surely Orson Welles’ performance of Sir John is wonderful. But even more so is the element of transformation: How it begins with a “common“ person who seemingly strolls in off the street then slowly transforms before your eyes into a completely different person. As such this act is a symbol of how every artist -every kind- endeavors to create something out of nothing.
+Robert Butler Absolutely. It's the magician-like demonstration of the putting on of the character: demythologized: the paint, the beard, the cup. Then he tucks his chin in and squints and Welles is vanished and here's John. That's acting.
Quite right. Most non-actors think that anyone can do it. Well, perhaps the occasional genius can. But training is all.
@@steerpike66 Pure magic!
It is as if Welles was born merely to embody Falstaff, and Falstaff was written to have a pulse in Wells's veins.. It's the greatest bromance despite the three hundred years time gap and the fact that one of them is real and the other fictional.. They have heard the chimes at midnight
He was a great man of the theatre. Read John Houseman's book "Run Through" for stories of Welles and the theatre in the 1930s.
The greatest actor of all times with the finest timbro in his voice.
Farewell to our sir Orson.How nature could see fit to us rob this merrie soul.This splendid man.Were it not for he..well sir John Falstaff would never be.Alas..a glass of cherrie-sac hath this day been raised to thee!
Well said sir.
I remember watching this live…I was a kid and it fascinated me then as it does now…55 years later!
One of the very few Americans who deserves to live forever.
Sitting in judgement of an entire people, you c...?
@@adelhartreisig9020 Exactly. Just as one should.
@@adelhartreisig9020 As though every last Brit should be placed on the same level as Shakespeare. Thank God for excellence. And Thank God we don't give prizes to everyone who enters a contest.
Along with Lincoln, who has/does/&will "live forever"....🙏🇱🇷🎩
There is a California sherris sack by Paul Masson, inspired by that same English excellence.
Hahaha, drink no wine before it's time.
😆😆😆
@ssballs an old Orson Wells wine ad tag line 🍷 📺 "We will sell no wine before its time" th-cam.com/video/L-TgM5QptvU/w-d-xo.html
Ma haaa
Orson Welles played Falstaff in the film Chimes at Midnight. He also played Macbeth and Othello in films. His Shakespeare was sublime.
He also wrote, directed, and starred in many of the films that he made.
We know.
I saw this as a young man during Christmas time and Falstaff always reminded me of the bounty of the season and the new year. thanks Orson and Will. there will never be such talents as these again!
"AHHHHHH!!!! The Spanish Sherrysac...has always been celebrated for it's excellence."
And the more I watch this man the more I grow.
I closely watched the makeup, the costume, and hair. I admit I had low expectations for the monologue, even full knowing the talent. But the incredible Mr. Welles did not disappoint. Bravo!
Fantastically impressive performance. In appreciation for Orson Welles.
That was friggin’ AWESOME! 👍🏾
Legendary performance.
Wow,, what a spiel, and given with perfect tenor, To me. But Recalling the guys I knew who drank Falstaff beer, they called it , Fall Flats ! Haa. This was worth to time to view, thanks !
It is so hard to even remember all those lines but to say them all quickly and with meaning under strong lights and with an audience is a feat far more difficult than we can imagine. I am in awe of these actors especial the ones that can play Hamlet ,my god its like learning a 500 page book and then reciting it all back.
If you look closely, I'm pretty sure there are some cue cards he consults occasionally BUT that should take nothing away from this magnificent performance and the depth of Mr. Welles' talent. There has never been someone as blessed as he was with the gifts and imagination he possessed. He would probably agree that he never lived up to the promise of those gifts but my goodness what a life and talent. Truly one of the greats. 💖
I've watched this so many times. I keep revisiting.
Such a talented person who is sorely missed. Like James Earl Jones, 2 of the greatest voices/actors of our century.
I would add George C Scott
@@johnlewis9158 and Lionel Barrymore
Richard Burton
John Geilgud. Ian McKellen. Patrick Stewart.
I would add Alan Rickman to this impressive list. Nobody had a voice like his.
Fantastic!
Orson Wells R.I.P🙏🌟 The Epitome of Actor a Renaissance Man. Exquisite Acting.
Return to this every while. Incredible how he draws you in and before you know it, he has become Falstaff. Maestro.
wow, mr wells just transported me outside of my current location and state of mind!
What a piece of art!👏🏻
I'd say this is Orson Welles' second best wine commercial
Sell no wine before its time 📺🍷 th-cam.com/video/L-TgM5QptvU/w-d-xo.html
I can well imagine some TV exec complaining about the amount of time devoted to the makeup application and the dead space where he isn't speaking, but its just so awesome and interesting. The up steps Sir John, and this is one of those monologues that needs the context. "To be or not to be", "Tomorrow and tomorrow", or any number of others are famous enough you could launch right in and be fairly certain of the audience being with you, but for Dean's show and the feel of the time this one was perfect.
After all, Dino's stage persona was a guy who liked his vino.
Don't let the makeup distract you. Yes, it's a serviceable look, but close your eyes and listen again. Radio artist that he was, he pours so much of the character into the voice.
@@Tmanaz480 I was a theatre actor for years, but it was the study of voiceover technique that completed the training I had not had in speech. Doing voiceover, you have only your voice and sense of timing to get everything across. Studying singing helps, too.
There are rare and particular moments that I am thankful for technology. Watching this magnificent artist share his gift is one them.
Just a few minutes long but enough to bring into focus for anyone the inherent value of Shakespeare and Welles.
It leaves me stirred to go back and explore the writings and productions glimpsed. Share this with those around you who might be sparked by such a beautiful creative spirit.
To have only had complete versions of Macbeth or Julius Caesar. There are some bits of Macbeth and what exists is such a tease.
I recall seeing this when it was originally broadcast when I was a child. It must have been broadcast in the late 60's or early to mid 70's. It is impressive.
I'm 50 years old now, but when I grow up I hope to be as refined as Orson Welles.
On another note, this was a brilliant skit-- from the opening to the actual performance. I can see how this influenced the fourth wall breaks in Spike Jonze's videos, or those of Michel Gondry.
I really enjoyed his work and still listen to all of his awesome radio works! I always thought of him as very talented and very creative and most of all very entertaining! Thanks for sharing.
A true measure of humanity. One of the great men to take the time to warn ourselves of ourselves.
Welles' exposition of the character of Falstaff, while showing, with insouciance, the craft of applying stage make-up, is a wonder and privilege to behold.
(Either it was unscripted with some forethought given to what he would say, or it was tightly scripted, and delivered in the seeming "off-the-cuff" manner that only the very best acting, especially Shakespeareian acting, displays.)
His departure from the make-up "mirror" (there isn't one, and he still applies his make-up flawlessly) garners his first ovation:
His delectable delivery of the Bard's Elegant English garners his second.
And a paean to a particular strong drink, on "The Dean Martin Show?"
PERFECT.
(Yes, boys and girls, once upon a time, Network TV was often this good.)
I'm pretty sure he had a small mirror in front of him while he was applying the makeup.
Dont get too caught up in the visual aspect, though. It's the transformation in his voice that floors me. It's a virtuoso radio performance.
tuxguys---not bad for a medium once aptly described as a vast wasteland. is it?
We have lost! We have lost so much, and yet so few.....that understand!
Pure artistry, pure talent.
Thank you for sharing this bit of history. I would never have seen it if not for you.
Wow man, Orson Welles was a master.
MAGNIFICENT. TRULY AMAZING.
A GENIUS !!!!
Fascinating to watch him transform...his magnificent voice....theyll never be another....he was a brillant Edward Rodchester.in JANE EYRE
I remember watching this with my dad when I was a kid (10 yrs old or a little less) and when it was over I looked at him and he said "Wow, that's incredible," and I agreed. That's how good this is.
I maintain a smile every time I watch this. I keep coming back. Great TV.
I can remember watching this when I was a young child in the 60's. Thanks for posting.
I saw it as a teenager in the 60s.
Simply put, a Legend among acting legends demonstrating make-up application, explanation of part, and great acting - All done in less than 7 Minutes! Mr. Welles didn't have to blow his own horn, either - - BRAVO!
Seems cheesy and self indulgent until you see the metamorphosis and just how talented he is. Then it is a real window into a real artist.
Orson Welles was such an immense talent and we are so fortunate to have much of his legacy preserved on film and in these interviews: a true master who slips effortlessly through the window of transformation; an inspiration to artists from every realm.
Wow. I understood almost every word due to his magnificent delivery
I love TH-cam! Where else would we ever see stuff like this(?)
Forever irreplaceable.
Forever.
Magnificent performance. A magnificent artist.
It’s not just Orson that makes the Dean Martin Show so needed (and it was highly rated), but many of these programs had balance, seriousness with silly, which we do NOT have today. Note also how Orson changed before your eyes, which added the dramatic flare, but he also drew you in and he turned on a dime into Falstaff
what a wonderful look into the stage
Now you know why we love doing it.
recall watching this as a 12yr old,wow the memories of a bygone time of American tv.simple entertainment.addict themselves to sac!
This is what true talent is.
Welles was amazing in his craft. He transports one to the very heart of the scene with his spot on rendition.
One of the cool things about Orson was that as highbrow as he could be, he was also very comfortable in the company of misfits, thieves, and the downtrodden. He saw life through both sides.
at 3:51 you can literally see the "lights turn on" in Welles brain and he becomes the character. His entire face and demeanor changes instantly.
The one and only.
Bravo, and kudos to Dean Martin for doing this on his program, truly a television treasure
For those who lived thru the 70’s here’s a musical riddle
What do you call a boat captain with foot fungus??
The captain & toe nail
Chimes at Midnight is a great film and Orson Welles’ performance in it is magnetic. He gives a performance that’s both tragic and comic and pulls it off beautifully.
Agreed. I specially ordered it from Portugal, via The Criterion Collection. John Gielgud's soliloquy is sublime. "Happy low, lie down..."
Can only be one Orson Welles
I saw this with my parents on our black and white TV when I was a kid.
The audience was lucky to be there.
Though the monologue has bits of it removed from the original (obviously for the sake of time) Orson Welles does a great job of making it seem seamless.
This man was amazing 🤩 great performance 😊
Bravo! Methinks there was no limit to Orson's immense & varied talents!
I remember how his voice and magic acts he’d do on talk shows mesmerized me as a kid.
A timeless visit to a 20th-century electronic version of the Globe Theater. Mr. Welles brings Sir John Falstaff to life in such astounding fashion as to make the immortal Bard of Avon's heart swell with pride. As with sherris sack itself, this clip is only a short, small sampling of the jovial old fellow's full soliloquy. Never before has the rotund, merry taverngoer been portrayed more warmly or engagingly than as presented here by Mr. Welles, who clearly knew a thing or two about stagecraft. To spend these few priceless moments back in the Elizabethan Era with Sir John is wonderful. Orson Welles, Falstaff, and sherris sack---I'll drink to all of them!