8/1/20 Touch of Evil

When "Citizen Kane" was released in 1941, the Hearst empire took it upon themselves to discredit the movie. It was partially successful. The critics all liked it but the general audience didn't show up.

Welles' next picture with RKO was a turn of the century melodrama called "The Magnificent Ambersons" Once it was shot, Welles with a number of other film makers was commissioned by the US Government to make a movie in Brazil. Brazil was unsure about which side of the war to join and the US thought American celebrities spending lot of money would convince them.

While Welles was partying at the annual Rio carnival,Welles' editor from Kane, Robert Wise, was trying to complete "Magnificent Ambersons". With the loss of power from the financial failure of Kane and his absence, the studio took over editing the picture. Robert Wise would send telegrams to Welles imploring him to return to take charge. Responses were brief notes on how to proceed. By the time, Welles returned, the studio had already finished re-editting the movie. The result was a dreary story that didnt have any of the life of Kane. It is the most infamous "lost" classics. What would have Welles cut of the movie been like. I think it was really the content the brought the movie down. When Amberson failed at the box office, Welles could not get another directing job. He spend decades trying to raise money to get movies made.

In 1958, a movie based on the story "Badge of Evil" was set to be made. The producers wanted Charleston Heston for the lead. When he found out that Welles was also acting in it, Heston said he would do the picture if Welles would also direct. This would be one of the only time Welles would shows his genius again. Everything about the film is remarkable. The opening shot is one of the most famous. It has the life that Amberson was missing. Once again, Welles did not have the final cut but the movie still is amazing. Personally, I originally saw the studio version and though that Welles cut didn't add that much.