Silent Film

Orson Welles’ Lost Film Found: ‘Too Much Johnson’ Rediscovered

The Lost Film

In the annals of cinema history, Orson Welles’ “Citizen Kane” stands as a towering masterpiece. But before Welles achieved critical acclaim with that groundbreaking film, he embarked on an ambitious project that was thought to have been lost forever: “Too Much Johnson.”

“Too Much Johnson” was a series of short films intended to accompany a live performance of the play of the same name in 1938. It was Welles’ first attempt at filmmaking with a professional crew and actors, marking a significant milestone in his career.

However, on opening night, the film was not ready to be shown. The play proceeded without it, and when the production flopped, the film was cast aside into obscurity.

For decades, “Too Much Johnson” was believed to be lost in a fire in the 1960s. But in a remarkable turn of events, the film was recently discovered in a warehouse in Pordenone, Italy.

The Rediscovery

The rediscovery of “Too Much Johnson” is a major event for film historians and Welles enthusiasts alike. The film provides a rare glimpse into Welles’ early work and sheds new light on his creative process.

The silent film has been badly damaged by time, but the George Eastman House museum in Rochester, New York, is currently working on restoring it. Once the restoration is complete, the museum will screen the film publicly for the first time ever.

Significance of the Rediscovery

The rediscovery of “Too Much Johnson” is significant for several reasons. First, it fills a gap in Welles’ filmography and allows us to better understand his artistic development.

Second, the film offers a unique perspective on the early days of cinema and the challenges that filmmakers faced in producing and distributing their work.

Finally, the restoration and public screening of “Too Much Johnson” will make this important piece of film history accessible to a new generation of viewers.

Welles’ Early Career

Before achieving international fame with “Citizen Kane,” Welles was a rising star in the theater world. He directed several acclaimed stage productions, including a groundbreaking adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” in 1936.

Welles’ interest in film began in the mid-1930s, and he experimented with various filmmaking techniques, including the use of sound and montage. “Too Much Johnson” was his first attempt at a professional film, and it showcased his innovative approach to storytelling.

Influence on ‘Citizen Kane’

Although “Too Much Johnson” was never publicly released, it is believed to have influenced Welles’ later work, particularly “Citizen Kane.” The film’s use of flashbacks, unconventional camera angles, and layered narrative structure foreshadowed the techniques that Welles would master in his masterpiece.

The rediscovery of “Too Much Johnson” provides a valuable opportunity to reassess Welles’ early career and to understand the evolution of his filmmaking style.

Public Screening

The George Eastman House museum will screen the restored version of “Too Much Johnson” in Pordenone, Italy, and then at the museum in Rochester in October. This will be the first public presentation of Welles’ first film meant for the masses.

The screening of “Too Much Johnson” is a major event for Welles fans and film enthusiasts alike. It offers a rare opportunity to experience a lost piece of cinematic history and to gain a deeper understanding of one of the most influential filmmakers of all time.