Mercury Theatre - Hamlet, Part 1 September 19, 1936

Episode Summary: Mercury Theatre - Hamlet, Part 1 (September 19, 1936)
This radio adaptation, part of Welles’ Mercury Theatre series, presents the first half of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, focusing on the setup of the tragedy. The story likely begins with the Ghost of King Hamlet revealing his murder to Prince Hamlet, urging revenge against Claudius, the usurping king. Welles’ rendition emphasizes Hamlet’s psychological turmoil and the eerie atmosphere of Elsinore, with dramatic sound effects like howling winds or ghostly echoes. The episode covers key scenes, such as Hamlet’s feigned madness and his tense interactions with Claudius, Gertrude, and Polonius, ending on a cliffhanger to set up Part 2. Welles’ innovative direction and commanding voice likely brought a modern, intense energy to the classic text, tailored for radio audiences. (No recording survives, so the summary is inferred from Welles’ style and Hamlet’s narrative structure.)

Actors and Roles
Specific casting details for Orson Welles’ Mercury Theatre radio production of Hamlet, Part 1 (September 19, 1936) are not comprehensively documented, as was common for radio broadcasts of the era. However, based on Welles’ involvement and the Mercury Theatre ensemble, likely performers include:
Orson Welles as Hamlet and possibly the narrator or director. At 21, Welles was the creative force behind the production, likely taking the lead role of the Danish prince, known for his introspective and tormented nature.

Supporting roles (e.g., Claudius, Gertrude, Polonius, or the Ghost) were likely filled by Mercury Theatre regulars such as Joseph Cotten, Agnes Moorehead, or Ray Collins, though exact casting is unconfirmed due to limited surviving records. Actors like Everett Sloane or George Coulouris may also have contributed, given their frequent collaboration with Welles.

The production was a collaboration with the Federal Theatre Project, featuring a mix of professional and emerging actors, but no definitive cast list exists.

National News in the USA: Week of September 19, 1936
Great Depression Recovery: The U.S. was in the grip of the Great Depression, with President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal programs, including the Works Progress Administration (WPA), in the spotlight. News covered job creation efforts and public works projects, though unemployment remained high at around 17%.

Presidential Election: The 1936 election was approaching (November 3), with Roosevelt (Democrat) campaigning for re-election against Alf Landon (Republican). Campaign speeches and debates over New Deal policies dominated headlines.

Spanish Civil War: The ongoing conflict in Spain, pitting Nationalists (backed by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy) against Republicans, was a growing concern. U.S. newspapers reported on American neutrality debates and volunteer fighters joining the fray.

Cultural Events: The Federal Theatre Project, which funded Welles’ work, was active, though controversial. News may have highlighted its cultural contributions or criticisms from conservatives wary of its progressive leanings.