Around the World with Orson Welles

In a two part documentary that has him travelling through Basque country, acclaimed filmmaker Orson Welles remarks on the many aspects of life in this picturesque part of the world, and on the people whose territory straddles the French/Spanish border. This first episode is centred around interviews with two English speaking residents as they discuss their way of life with the enigmatic Welles.

In episode two of his exploration of Basque country, director Orson Welles focuses on life, sports and dance in the region. A young American boy serves as interpreter and cultural expert as Welles navigates his way through what seems like a whole community, meeting with both a priest and then a young boy whom he chats to in French. One highlight sees Welles introduced to some of the forms of the old, fascinating and picturesque game of pelote.

In episode three of Around the World with Orson Welles, the great man re-visits the Austrian city of Vienna. The setting for one of his most fondly remembered performances in the classic film The Third Man, Welles retraces some of the key locations used in the film. He simultaneously undertakes a comprehensive survey of cakes and pastries whilst investigating changes to coffee-house culture with the arrival of the espresso.

On his visit to Saint-Germain-des-Prés Orson Welles meets various fascinating characters including Raymond Duncan, the 82 year old American artist who founded the Akademia school in the Rue de Seine, and the leaders of an odd literary movement called The Lettrists. We are also introduced to the avant-garde celebrities of Saint-Germain-des-Prés such as Jean Cocteau and Juliette Gréco as well as other modern jazz experimenters.

On a visit to London, Orson Welles gets to know the widows who live at a Hackney almshouse as well as chatting with the 'Chelsea pensioners' who reside at the serviceman's retirement home at the Royal Hospital. Both his interest in, and regard for his subjects is readily apparent in the warm and generous interviews that make up this particular episode of Around the World with Orson Welles.

Orson Welles' interesting commentary on bullfighting with scenes inside the Madrid arena, combines vivid shots of a matador being thrown by a bull as well as looking at some of the fearful trappings that make up this strange and much maligned sport. Welles neither shocks, sickens or horrifies, but nor does he romanticise or glamorise the bullfight.