An Evening with Orson Welles: American Heritage, Vol. I – Selections from George Ade, Thomas Wolfe, Mark Twain

About This Movie

So, this is a fascinating little gem from 1970 featuring Orson Welles, where he takes on selections from some heavyweights of American literature—Ade, Wolfe, and Twain. The whole half-hour has this cozy, intimate vibe, almost like you’re sitting in a study with Welles himself as he brings these texts to life with his unmistakable voice and charisma. It's not about flashy effects or grand sets; it feels more like a literary soirée. The pacing is just right, giving each piece a moment to breathe while Welles weaves through the narratives, infusing his own flavor into the words. It’s unique, a charming blend of performance art and literature that you don’t find too often.

This program was produced for Sears' home-video catalog, making it a rare piece of television history. As a Cartrivision release, its format adds to its scarcity, as few of these tapes are still in circulation today. Collectors tend to gravitate towards this title not just for Welles' performance but also for its cultural significance, capturing a moment when literature and television were intersecting in interesting ways.