Orson Welles and Roger Hill: A Complicated Friendship and Artistic Partnership

Orson Welles and Roger Hill were two of the most important figures in the history of film. Welles was a brilliant director, screenwriter, and actor, while Hill was a talented producer and director. Together, they created some of the most iconic films of all time, including Citizen Kane, The Magnificent Ambersons, and The Lady from Shanghai. However, their relationship was often tumultuous, and they eventually parted ways.

ORSON WELLES AND ROGER HILL: A FRIENDSHIP IN THREE ACTS

by Todd Tarbox

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11000 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	328 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Early Years

Orson Welles was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on May 6, 1915. Roger Hill was born in London, England, on March 2, 1910. Welles and Hill met in the early 1930s, when Welles was still a student at the University of Chicago. Welles was working on a production of Shakespeare's Hamlet, and Hill was a member of the cast.

Welles and Hill quickly became friends, and they began working together on a number of projects. In 1934, they co-founded the Mercury Theatre, a New York City-based repertory company. The Mercury Theatre produced a number of groundbreaking productions, including Welles's famous 1937 production of Shakespeare's Macbeth.

Citizen Kane

In 1940, Welles and Hill collaborated on their most famous film, Citizen Kane. Citizen Kane is a masterpiece of American cinema, and it is often ranked as one of the greatest films ever made. The film tells the story of Charles Foster Kane, a wealthy newspaper magnate who is based on real-life newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Citizen Kane was a critical and commercial success, and it won Welles an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

The Magnificent Ambersons

After the success of Citizen Kane, Welles and Hill began working on their next film, The Magnificent Ambersons. The Magnificent Ambersons is a drama about a wealthy family who loses their fortune during the Great Depression. The film was not as successful as Citizen Kane, but it is still considered a classic of American cinema.

The Lady from Shanghai

In 1947, Welles and Hill collaborated on their third film, The Lady from Shanghai. The Lady from Shanghai is a film noir about a lawyer who becomes involved in a dangerous plot. The film was a critical and commercial failure, and it marked the end of Welles and Hill's partnership.

Later Years

After The Lady from Shanghai, Welles and Hill went their separate ways. Welles continued to direct films, but he never again achieved the same level of success that he had with Citizen Kane. Hill also continued to direct films, but he eventually moved into television production.

Welles and Hill remained friends until Welles's death in 1985. Hill died in 1990.

Orson Welles and Roger Hill were two of the most important figures in the history of film. Together, they created some of the most iconic films of all time. However, their relationship was often tumultuous, and they eventually parted ways. Despite their differences, Welles and Hill remained friends until Welles's death.

ORSON WELLES AND ROGER HILL: A FRIENDSHIP IN THREE ACTS

by Todd Tarbox

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11000 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	328 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE