The Hearts of Age

The opening scene sets a peculiar colonial atmosphere in the United States, showcasing an elderly woman ringing a bell as people dressed in elaborate costumes exit an upper door, each one acknowledging her with distinct gestures before walking down the stairs. The blackface character, who assists the woman by pulling the rope, ultimately hangs himself while the dandy figure, dressed in finery and grinning from ear to ear, continues his descent. This intriguing display leaves the audience questioning whether the dandy embodies Death or merely another disguised character in this mysterious setting."The Hearts of Age," Orson Welles' first film collaboration with William Vance, was created in 1934 as an eight-minute short. This early work by the renowned director and his co-director showcases a unique blend of eerie imagery and thought-provoking themes. Starring Virginia Nicholson, Welles' first wife, and featuring a young Orson Welles himself, this film serves as a glimpse into Welles' creative mindset during his time at the Todd School for Boys in Woodstock, Illinois, where he was just 19 years old.