Sent to me today was this rather exciting bit of news regarding the Italian TV channel RAI, which is planning a Mr. Arkadin fest on April 1; the translation from their Web site, as provided to me: “Among the films completed by Orson Welles, this is certainly the work that’s presented in the largest number of different versions known to international audiences (we can count seven of them). It is also one of the most documented films in the entire history of cinema for the incredible quantity of rushes and outtakes, that we presented in “Fuori Orario” since the end of ’80s. Waiting for the latest restored version on DVD announced for the end of April, we’ll try to perform the impossible task of making the film last for the entire night, in the longest possible version, adding every existing variation and alternate shots to the scenes from the regular versions.”

I can’t imagine how that will play out, but it sounds quite fascinating nevertheless. More as we hear about it, and watch the message board for more as well.