Revelations About Orson Welles: The Untold Story of the Man Behind Citizen Kane

Orson Welles, one of the greatest filmmakers in history, is best known for his groundbreaking work on Citizen Kane, often hailed as the greatest film of all time. But behind the scenes, Welles’ life was filled with struggles, controversies, and personal battles that have remained hidden for decades. Now, decades after his passing, his daughter Beatrice Welles has come forward to reveal long-hidden truths about her father, shedding light on the powerful forces that shaped his career and ultimately led him to leave Hollywood.

Orson Welles’ Early Years: A Troubled Start

Born on May 6, 1915, in Kosha, Wisconsin, Orson Welles came into the world with a lot of promise. His father, Richard Welles, was a successful inventor, and his mother, Beatrice, was a talented pianist. However, his childhood was far from idyllic. His older brother, Dicky, had learning disabilities and was sent away to an institution, making Orson the focal point of his parents’ attention. This placed immense pressure on him, even as he was often celebrated as a “genius.”

When Orson was just six years old, his parents separated. He moved with his mother to Chicago, a city that would expose him to the world of art, music, and theater. It was here that he would meet Dr. Maurice Bernstein, a family friend who became like a father figure to him. Bernstein was the first to call him a genius, a label that would stick with Welles throughout his life, contributing to both his success and his personal turmoil.

Orson’s life took a devastating turn when his mother died of hepatitis when he was just nine years old. Her death left an emotional void in him that would remain throughout his life. His father, who had once been successful, succumbed to alcoholism, and Orson was sent to live with Dr. Bernstein after his father’s death.

A Passion for Theater and Early Success

Despite his troubled childhood, Welles was a gifted child, excelling in music, art, and theater. He studied piano and violin and became fascinated with magic tricks, which would later influence his work in theater. His first taste of acting came in high school, where he acted, directed, and wrote plays. He even adapted a Sherlock Holmes story for a radio show, which would be his first experience in the medium that later made him famous.

At just 16, Welles traveled to Dublin, Ireland, where he convinced a famous theater to give him a role by lying about his Broadway experience. His performance impressed everyone, and this marked the beginning of his successful acting career. Welles spent a year in Ireland, gaining valuable experience in theater, and then traveled across Europe, soaking up stories and experiences that would shape his future work.

Voodoo Macbeth and Mercury Theater: Welles’ Bold Beginnings

Orson Welles’ early works in theater showed his creativity and boldness. In 1936, he directed a legendary version of Macbeth, set on a fictional Caribbean island inspired by Haiti, with an all-black cast. The production was groundbreaking, drawing huge crowds and garnering critical acclaim. This success led Welles and his collaborator John Houseman to start the Mercury Theater in 1937 with only $100, but their creative vision quickly gained recognition.

Welles’ directorial approach in Julius Caesar (1937) was revolutionary. He set the play in fascist Italy, using modern costumes to highlight the rise of fascism in Europe. Critics hailed it as a bold and innovative production. The Mercury Theater became known for its creativity, and many future Hollywood stars, such as Joseph Cotten and Vincent Price, were part of it.

Radio History: War of the Worlds and Its Impact

In 1938, Welles made radio history with the War of the Worlds broadcast. The live broadcast, which portrayed an alien invasion as a real news report, caused widespread panic when some listeners, unaware it was fictional, believed the invasion was real. The resulting panic was extensive, with some listeners running for cover, fearing a real disaster. Though Welles and CBS faced heavy criticism for the broadcast, it proved the power of radio and solidified Welles’ reputation as a master storyteller.

Hollywood: A Genius’ Struggles and Citizen Kane

In 1939, at just 24 years old, Orson Welles made a groundbreaking deal with RKO Pictures, which granted him unprecedented control over his films. This deal allowed him to write, direct, produce, and star in his films, a rare level of creative freedom in Hollywood. His first film, Citizen Kane (1941), would go on to become one of the most iconic films in history, although it did not find immediate commercial success.

Citizen Kane was groundbreaking in many ways, including its use of deep focus cinematography and its non-linear narrative. It explored themes of memory and identity and was famously believed to be based on the life of newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst. Hearst, angered by the film’s portrayal, used his media empire to try to suppress it, even attempting to buy the film’s rights to destroy it. Despite these efforts, Citizen Kane eventually gained critical acclaim and is now considered the greatest film ever made.

The Fall: Struggles with Hollywood and the FBI’s Surveillance

After Citizen Kane, Welles’ career began to face constant interference from Hollywood studios. His next film, The Magnificent Ambersons (1942), was heavily cut by RKO, and the footage was destroyed. This marked the beginning of his troubled relationship with the industry. Welles also faced severe criticism and personal attacks, including surveillance by the FBI due to his outspoken political beliefs and alleged ties to leftist groups.

The FBI built a 200-page file on Welles, and the media tycoons of the time took every opportunity to discredit him. This fueled his disillusionment with Hollywood, leading him to leave for Europe in the 1950s, where he continued to pursue his filmmaking dreams, often with limited financial support.

A Legacy of Unfinished Work and Personal Struggles

Welles spent his later years in Europe, where he continued to work on various film projects, including Don Quixote and The Other Side of the Wind. However, due to financial issues, legal battles, and lack of studio support, many of these projects were left unfinished or never fully realized. Welles remained dedicated to his craft, but his final years were marked by frustration and struggle.

Despite these challenges, Welles’ legacy as a filmmaker who defied convention and pushed boundaries remains intact. His work continues to influence generations of filmmakers, and his films, particularly Citizen Kane, are studied and admired for their innovation and artistry.

Beatrice Welles’ Revelations

In the years following her father’s death, Beatrice Welles has worked tirelessly to protect his legacy. She has shared personal documents, letters, and insights into his creative process, shedding new light on the man behind the camera. Her revelations about Welles’ struggles with Hollywood, the media, and the FBI offer a new perspective on the genius who was often misunderstood and maligned during his lifetime.

As Beatrice continues to uncover the truth behind her father’s career and personal life, the world is reminded of Orson Welles’ profound impact on cinema, as well as the forces that sought to suppress his unique vision. The struggle of a brilliant artist against a powerful industry provides an enduring lesson in the price of creativity and independence in Hollywood.