Chimes at Midnight is a 1966 period comedy-drama film written, directed by and starring Orson Welles. The film's plot centres on William Shakespeare's recurring character Sir John Falstaff and the father–son relationship he has with Prince Hal, who must choose between loyalty to his father, King Henry IV, and Falstaff. The English-language film was an international co-production of Spain, France, and Switzerland.
U.S. theatrical release poster
Orson Welles in Spain while shooting Chimes at Midnight c. 1964
Orson Welles in Chimes at Midnight
Eduard von Grützner's Falstaff with big wine jar and cup shows the traditional jolly and comical depiction of Falstaff that Welles rejected.
George Orson Welles was an American director, actor, writer, producer, and magician who is remembered for his innovative work in film, radio, and theatre. He is considered to be among the greatest and most influential filmmakers of all time.
1937 portrait by Carl Van Vechten
Orson Welles at age three (1918)
Welles's birthplace in Kenosha, Wisconsin (2013)
Welles with his mother, Beatrice Ives Welles