Orson Welles Commentaries

The Blinding of Sgt. Isaac Woodard: The Place Was Batesburg

English · Radio, Politics

Orson Welles presents a commentary on the blinding of Sgt. Isaac Woodard, focusing on the place where it happened: Batesburg. The program centers on this real-world subject rather than fictional drama, bringing Welles’s spoken account to the foreground.

Welles’s direct, expressive delivery gives the commentary its shape, guiding listeners through the topic with the urgency and clarity of a personal radio address. The experience is intimate and voice-led, with attention fixed on the words and the serious events they describe.

This is a sober piece of radio commentary, suited to listeners interested in Welles’s work beyond acting and dramatic productions, as well as in broadcasts addressing contemporary public affairs.

This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.