CBS Radio, 2 February 1944
Broadcast only in the state of
California, Orson Welles' Almanac was a half-hour long variety show of music, dance and comedy sketches with a weekly
special guest. Sponsored by Mobil Oil, the show was unique in the Wellesian canon as it concentrated mostly on comedy
rather than drama, making fun of a variety of targets including the sponsors, Welles' own inflated reputation as a director,
actor and polymath, as well as the presumed inadequacies of his guests.
In one episode, the actor Lionel Barrymore appeared; in a sketch involving the two actors,
Barrymore took a pot-shot at Welles' status as a "genius" of cinema, while Welles has Barrymore involved in an extravagant
parody of the James Whale classic The Old Dark House. What was perhaps more interesting - and funnier - was
the way in which Welles made several mistakes with the script, and covered up each fluff with an ironic reference directed
to the studio audience. He certainly understood the pitfalls of live radio.
The programme ended with a propaganda message directed
to listeners by Barrymore, emphasizing the importance of collective action at a time of continuing military strife.
The only way America could win the war was to remain loyal both to its people and its allies.
Not the greatest programme in the world,
perhaps, but a living reminder of Welles' talent as a live performer.
