THIS IS MY BEST: HEART OF DARKNESS (RADIO)
Summary
One in this dramatic anthology series featuring adaptations of contemporary and classic works of fiction. In Orson Welles's adaptation of Joseph Conrad's short story, "Heart of Darkness," the story about the prewar African ivory trade becomes a subtle allegory for Adolf Hitler's attempt at world domination. The story is told by one of the main characters, Marlowe (Welles), who signs up as a navigator on an expedition to find Kurtz, the head of an ivory station deep in the African jungle who has not been heard from in more than a year. Kurtz is reputed to be a genius, but as Marlowe travels deeper into the jungle, he discovers that Kurtz is insane, demanding that the natives worship him as God and killing all who stand in his way. Kurtz dies of an illness on the return trip, and Marlowe cannot bring himself to tell Kurtz's fiancŽe the truth. Host Welles's closing remarks include a public service announcement about addresses to write to for expert advice on cultivating so-called victory gardens, since previously deferred farm workers were now being drafted for military service. Includes commercials, a promo, and the above public service announcement.
Details
- NETWORK: CBS
- DATE: March 13, 1945 Tuesday
- RUNNING TIME: 0:30:00
- COLOR/B&W: N/A
- CATALOG ID: R89:0038
- GENRE: Radio - Drama
- SUBJECT HEADING: Drama
- SERIES RUN: CBS - Radio series, 1944-1946
- COMMERCIALS:
- Radio - Commercials - Cresta Blanca wine
- Radio - PSA - War effort victory gardens
- Radio - Promos - "This is My Best"
CREDITS
- Orson Welles … Producer, Director
- Joseph Conrad … Writer, Based on the book by
- Bernard Katz … Composer, Conductor
- John McIntire … Announcer
- Orson Welles … Host, Cast, Marlowe