

RKO 281
“What went on the screen was nothing compared to what went on behind the scenes.”
Synopsis
In 1939, boy-wonder Orson Welles leaves New York, where he has succeeded in radio and theater, and, hired by RKO Pictures, moves to Hollywood with the purpose of making his first film.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
TV Spot
Type: Teaser • Published 2010-04-08
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Liev Schreiber
Orson Welles
James Cromwell
William Randolph Hearst
Melanie Griffith
Marion Davies
John Malkovich
Herman Mankiewicz
Liam Cunningham
Gregg Toland
David Suchet
Louis B. Mayer
Fiona Shaw
Hedda Hopper
Anastasia Hille
Carole Lombard
Brenda Blethyn
Louella Parsons
Roy Scheider
George Schaefer
Roger Allam
Walt Disney
Simeon Andrews
John Houseman
William Armstrong
Mr. Lewis
Jay Benedict
Darryl Zanuck
Ron Berglas
David O. Selznick
Paul Birchard
Top Brass #2
Neil Conrich
Mr. Thomson
Michael Cronin
Joseph Willicombe
Release History & Theatrical Window
November 20, 1999
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Benjamin Ross
- Screenplay & Story
- John Logan
- Original Score
- John Altman
- Original Title
- RKO 281
- Country of Origin
- United States of America, United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 24m
- Production Studios
- Scott Free Productions, BBC Film, HBO Films, GBH
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Benjamin Ross
John Logan, Thomas Lennon, Richard Ben Cramer, Michael Epstein
John Altman
Mike Southon
Alex Mackie
Su Armstrong, Ridley Scott, Tony Scott
Department Leadership Roster
Benjamin Ross
Director
Su Armstrong
Producer
John Altman
Original Music Composer
Mike Southon
Director of Photography
Alex Mackie
Editor
Maria Djurkovic
Production Design
Steven Begg
Visual Effects Supervisor
John Logan
Screenplay
Richard Hammatt
Stunt Coordinator
Lee Sheward
Stunt Coordinator
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for RKO 281.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring RKO 281.
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Watched
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Emmy Award Nominated Titles - IMDb
Behind The Scenes
Welcome to the fascinating world behind the silver screen, where movies not only entertain us on-screen but also captivate us with the stories unfolding behind the scenes. From gripping documentaries to imaginative fictional narratives, these films offer a peek into the intricate workings of the film industry and the creative minds that bring our favorite stories to life. In this realm, documentaries serve as windows into the real lives of filmmakers, actors, and crews, revealing the challenges, triumphs, and relentless passion that drive them. They uncover the meticulous planning, intense collaboration, and sometimes unforeseen obstacles that shape the making of cinematic masterpieces. Whether delving into the groundbreaking techniques of visionary directors or chronicling the historic moments that shaped cinematic history, these documentaries offer an unfiltered look at the artistry and dedication behind every frame. Conversely, fictional narratives transport us into imaginative realms where the line between reality and illusion blurs. These films craft compelling stories that weave together the personal and professional lives of characters navigating the complexities of filmmaking. Through these narratives, we witness the emotional rollercoaster of artistic creation, from the exhilarating highs of inspiration to the gut-wrenching lows of artistic and personal conflict. They explore themes of ambition, betrayal, redemption, and the enduring power of storytelling itself. Together, these behind-the-scenes movies celebrate the magic of cinema while shining a spotlight on the unsung heroes and visionaries who transform dreams into reality. Whether you're a cinephile seeking deeper insight into your favorite films or simply curious about the inner workings of Hollywood, join us as we explore the captivating world where imagination meets celluloid.
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Frequently Asked Questions About RKO 281
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is RKO 281 about?
In 1939, boy-wonder Orson Welles leaves New York, where he has succeeded in radio and theater, and, hired by RKO Pictures, moves to Hollywood with the purpose of making his first film.
Who directed RKO 281?
RKO 281 was directed by Benjamin Ross.
Who stars in RKO 281?
The principal cast of RKO 281 includes Liev Schreiber, James Cromwell, Melanie Griffith, John Malkovich, Liam Cunningham.
When was RKO 281 released and how long is it?
RKO 281 was released in 1999 with a total runtime of 1h 24m.
Who composed the musical score for RKO 281?
The original motion picture soundtrack for RKO 281 was composed by John Altman.




















