24 JULY 1953, Page 7

Preview Mr. Orson Welles hoped, but in the end I

believe failed, to listen to Wednesday's debate on Foreign Affairs. He will doubtless take another opportunity of visiting the Strangers' Gallery, but Wednesday's proceedings would have been particularly appropriate to his purpose; for he is to play the lead in a film based on Mr. Somerset Maugham's story, Lord Mountdrago, and that ill-starred nobleman was, it may be remembered, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Mr. Wales's laudable desire to check up on locit colour reminds me (though perhaps it should not) of an actress I know who. having been cast as Ophelia, immediately took steps to visit