Original photograph of Orson Welles performing a magic show, circa 1943

N.p. N.p., Circa 1943. Vintage oversize borderless double weight photograph of director Orson Welles in a striped dressing gown and fez, performing a magic trick for two US servicemen. From the archive of the PIX Agency, a photo house that acted as an intermediary between emigre photographers (as well as those still living in Europe) and the American magazine and newspaper market between 1935-1969.

In 1943, Welles and his close friend Joseph Cotten produced a magic and variety show called "The Mercury Wonder Show for Service Men," staged in a large two-pole tent at 9000 Cahuenga Boulevard in Hollywood. The show was directed by Welles, who also performed in the show as "Orson the Magnificent," with co-stars Cotten ("Jo-Jo the Great"), Agnes Moorehead ("Calliope Aggie"), and Rita Hayworth as Welles' assistant, a role later taken over by Marlene Dietrich. The show ran from August 3 to September 9, and was free to all service members.

10.5 x 7.5 inches. Near Fine.

[Book #150236]