Battle Over Citizen Kane Study Guide

Overview of the Battle Over Citizen Kane

  • Focuses on the confrontation between Orson Welles and William Randolph Hearst over the film Citizen Kane.

  • Highlighted the significant impacts of their battle on both men, suggesting a tragic fall from grace for each.

Introduction

  • Presented by David McCullough on The American Experience.

  • Major funding sources include Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and viewer contributions.

The Key Figures

William Randolph Hearst

  • Press mogul who revolutionized newspaper publishing in America.

  • Known for his sensational journalism and manipulation of public opinion.

  • Created a massive media empire, owning numerous newspapers and magazines.

Orson Welles

  • A theatrical prodigy, radio star, and film director known for his innovative style.

  • Gained fame rapidly and became infamous for his bold approaches in storytelling.

  • Directed and starred in Citizen Kane, seen as a masterpiece and often labeled the greatest film ever made.

Contextual Background

  • The emergence of Hearst and Welles mirrored transformative changes in mass communication and entertainment from the late 19th century onwards.

  • Hearst's rise began with his coverage of the lead-up to the Spanish-American War, showing his knack for sensationalism and narrative control.

  • Welles, by 1939, became a household name in Hollywood, securing a unique contract with RKO that granted him unprecedented creative control.

The Battle Over Citizen Kane

  • Hearst's life was scandalized and scrutinized by the release of Citizen Kane, paralleling his own tactics against political adversaries.

  • The process of creating the film drew deep from Welles' understanding of power and public perception, which he believed could benefit from controversy; he tragically miscalculated the outcome.

Orson Welles' Rise to Fame

Early Career

  • Orson Welles was seen as a genius from a young age; started in theater and became famous for productions like Voodoo Macbeth.

  • His radio play War of the Worlds showcased his capacity to incite public emotional responses, hinting at his later cinematic success.

Transition to Hollywood

  • Welles’ transition towards filmmaking began with the film Citizen Kane, inspired in part by the life of William Randolph Hearst.

  • His filmmaker’s contract at RKO was heralded as a significant event in Hollywood, giving him an unprecedented level of autonomy not seen before.

William Randolph Hearst: The Media Titan

San Simeon

  • Hearst's California estate, vast and opulent, symbolized his wealth and power.

  • The castle hosted celebrities and influential figures from Hollywood, becoming a central hub for cultural elites.

  • He maintained strict control over the media narratives surrounding his empire and wielded significant influence over public perceptions.

Ruthlessness in Journalism

  • Hearst was known for his unapologetic tactics, using journalism to eliminate opponents and manipulate public sentiment.

  • He sought to crush anyone who threatened his power, often utilizing his papers to blacken their reputations.

Orson Welles and Citizen Kane's Production

  • Wells aimed to showcase the life of Hearst through Kane, presenting a semi-autobiographical narrative that paralleled both their lives.

  • Mankiewicz played a key role in writing the script, which drew from both Wells’ and Hearst’s lives, leading to the provocative content that would spark conflict.

  • With filming magic and innovative techniques, Welles crafted what became a cinematic legend.

The Clash of Titans

Hearst's Reaction

  • Upon learning that Citizen Kane portrayed aspects of his life, Hearst used his newspaper empire to initiate a campaign against the film.

  • He called for the destruction of the film and leveraged his media power to intimidate those involved.

Hollywood's Reaction

  • Industry figures were pressured to withdraw support, fearing retaliation from Hearst and his media empire.

  • RKO faced immense backlash trying to distance itself from the film while the influence of Hearst loomed large over Hollywood.

The Release of Citizen Kane

  • After a powerful campaign of intimidation, Citizen Kane finally debuted but faced an uphill struggle for widespread distribution.

  • Despite initial poor reception among critics aligned with Hearst, the film eventually gained acclaim post-release and is regarded as a classic of cinema.

Aftermath and Legacy

Orson Welles

  • Following Citizen Kane, Welles' career took a downturn as he battled against the established Hollywood system.

  • His later works were often subpar as he struggled to regain his footing in an industry that had turned its back after his controversial filmy.

William Randolph Hearst

  • Despite attempts to maintain control, Hearst's media empire dwindled, revealing the limitations of his power.

  • He eventually faded into obscurity, his legacy overshadowed by the fictional narrative created in Citizen Kane.

Concluding Thoughts

  • The battle over Citizen Kane serves as an emblematic struggle between two fiercely ambitious individuals.

  • In the end, Welles’ vision and creativity triumphed over Hearst’s attempts to silence him, sealing Citizen Kane’s legacy as a film that could not be destroyed.

  • The narrative of both men reveals the complexities of power, art, and legacy in American culture.

Funding and Credits

  • The episode credits major funding from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, along with contributions from viewers.

  • The importance of film, technology, and journalism is underscored as pivotal in shaping public opinion and history.