This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/27/2024
[WELLES, Orson (1915-1985)]. The Mercury Wonder Show for Service Men / Orson the Magnificent. [Los Angeles], 1943. Pictorial herald for Welles’s magic and variety show produced during World War II. 21 ½ x 6 ¾”. Folds, short tear at left margin; wrinkling. B. Unmounted.
Welles staged this morale-boosting show – based on his experience with the Mercury Theatre – in a gigantic Downie Brothers circus tent on a lot provided by MGM Studios. Co-starring with Welles were Rita Hayworth, Agnes Moorehead, and Joseph Cotten. Hayworth left the show after the claim was made that Columbia executives were worried she might be harmed when Welles sawed her in half. In fact, she had a prior film obligation. Marlene Dietrich was her replacement. The tent seated 2,000; 1,500 tickets were given away to servicemen every night. In 1944, the magic portion of the show was included in the film Follow the Boys.