Chimes at Midnight
Film

Chimes at Midnight (1965)

2 critics 11 lists ★ 7.2 TMDb 115 min ComedyDramaHistory

Henry IV usurps the English throne, sets in motion the factious War of the Roses and now faces a rebellion led by Northumberland scion Hotspur. Henry's heir, Prince Hal, is a ne'er-do-well carouser who drinks and causes mischief with his low-class friends, especially his rotund father figure, John Falstaff. To redeem his title, Hal may have to choose between allegiance to his real father and loyalty to his friend.

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The Generation GapWhat our critics say

Orson Welles's profound meditation on Shakespeare's Falstaff is arguably his most personal film. He embodies the aging knight with heartbreaking vulnerability, a man of wit and warmth ultimately betrayed by his surrogate son, Prince Hal. Welles masterfully weaves together scenes from several plays, crafting a poignant elegy for a bygone era and for an innocence lost to political ambition. It’s a testament to his singular vision and an overlooked masterpiece.

from “Unearthing Genius: 8 Films That Demand Your Undivided Attention” →
The Lore Architect
The Lore ArchitectMillennial

Orson Welles considered this his finest work, and it's hard to argue. This deeply personal Shakespearean adaptation weaves together several plays to focus on the tragicomic figure of Falstaff and his relationship with Prince Hal. Welles’ direction is breathtaking, full of inventive deep-focus shots and iconic battle sequences. It's a testament to his genius, capturing the pathos and grandeur of Shakespeare with an intimacy rarely seen. This isn't just cinema; it’s a master filmmaker pouring his soul onto the screen.

from “7 Cinematic Gems Streaming Algorithms Are Still Sleeping On” →

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