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Simon Callow on Orson Welles

Actor Simon Callow chooses a giant of cinema, creator of Citizen Kane, Orson Welles. With Matthew Parris. From 2018.

Actor Simon Callow joins Matthew Parris to nominate the life of a giant of Hollywood's golden age, Orson Welles.

Aged just 26, Welles wrote, directed and starred in Citizen Kane.

He once recalled how he 'started at the top and worked his way down' - never managing to recreate his initial film success.

Welles's friend and collaborator Henry Jaglom talks about knowing him for the last years of his life.

The movie industry had turned its back on him leaving him strapped for cash and looking for work.

Producer: Maggie Ayre

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2018.

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30 minutes

Last on

Fri 10 Oct 2025 00:00
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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Credits

Presenter Matthew Parris
Interviewed Guest Simon Callow
Interviewed Guest Henry Jaglom
Producer Maggie Ayre

Broadcasts

  • Tue 8 May 2018 16:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Fri 11 May 2018 23:00
    BBC Radio 4
  • Thu 7 Apr 2022 18:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 8 Apr 2022 00:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Sat 9 Apr 2022 07:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Sat 9 Apr 2022 17:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Sun 10 Apr 2022 05:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Thu 9 Oct 2025 10:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Thu 9 Oct 2025 16:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 10 Oct 2025 00:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra

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