THE MASTERWORKS OF ORSON WELLES

Welles, the audacious cinema auteur (CITIZEN KANE) and leading man (JANE EYRE, THE THIRD MAN), was also a considerable presence on American radio from the 1940s through the 1950s. Even before his infamous "War of the Worlds" broadcast, he was sought after for his beautiful and authoritative speaking voice. He used it more like a musical instrument than an actor's tool, and indeed he played his voice like a virtuoso, as exemplified in this anthology of classic short stories and novellas, which includes Rudyard Kipling's "Riki-Tiki-Tavi," Edgar Allan Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart," and Oscar Wilde's "The Happy Prince." Though the package gives no information about the source, these recordings may have come from Welles's 1941-1944 CBS show. Although he reads far more slowly than suits modern tastes, the sheer beauty of his delivery is nearly overwhelming. Y.R. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC/ JAN 02]