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# Orson Welles filmed the murder scene of “Othello” in Turkish baths for lack of costumes
- URL: https://theparnassian.com/en/pochemu-v-otello-orsona-uellsa-poiavliaiutsia-golye-liudi/
- Published: 2022-11-27T18:38:03.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-02T18:55:31.000Z
- Author: Alexandr Radayev
- Tags: The East, Cinema, Humour

Why are there naked men in Orson Welles's "Othello"? In the original text, the action of Act V, in which the murder contrived by Iago, the principal antagonist, is played out, unfolds in Cyprus, near the house of the courtesan Bianca.

The filming was a great gamble for Welles, who simply had no money for it. The picture was shot in various places, and even in various countries, over the course of three years. The shooting of "Othello" advanced by fits and starts, according to the unsteady earnings of Welles, who took odd jobs as a cinematographer or an actor on other productions.

Most of the film was shot in Morocco.

It was decided to film the scene of Iago's murders in a Turkish bath. There were no costumes. They had been left behind in Italy. So the actors had to dash about covered only by towels.

The film, as you will remember, won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. Good evening to you all.

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