Chimes at Midnight Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A fat knight drinks, robs, and eventually gets ghosted by his royal BFF when said BFF becomes king and decides to be responsible.

🍿 Chimes at Midnight: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The King, The Prince, and Falstaff’s World

The film opens in early 15th-century England, with King Henry IV having taken the throne from Richard II. Political unrest brews as the King’s son, Prince Hal, spends his time in taverns, enjoying the company of the charismatic but morally questionable Sir John Falstaff and his band of merrymakers. King Henry disapproves of Hal’s lifestyle, fearing it undermines the monarchy. Falstaff’s world is one of revelry, drinking, and petty crime. He acts as a surrogate father figure to Hal, teaching him about life outside the court. However, Hal is aware that he must eventually leave this life behind to fulfill his royal destiny.

Rebellion and War

While Hal enjoys his time with Falstaff, rebellion simmers against King Henry. The powerful Hotspur and his allies challenge the King’s rule, leading to the Battle of Shrewsbury. Hal, feeling the pressure of his royal responsibilities, decides to prove himself on the battlefield. The battle is a brutal and chaotic affair, depicted with stark realism. Falstaff, ever the opportunist, tries to avoid danger while simultaneously seeking glory. Hal confronts Hotspur, leading to a climactic duel where Hal emerges victorious, solidifying his position as a capable heir to the throne.

The Coronation and the Rejection

As King Henry’s health declines, Hal prepares to assume the throne. Upon his father’s death, Hal becomes King Henry V. Falstaff, believing that his friendship with the new king will grant him power and influence, eagerly anticipates his coronation. However, at the coronation ceremony, Henry V publicly rejects Falstaff, banishing him from his life. This act signifies Hal’s complete transformation from a carefree prince to a responsible monarch, severing ties with his past and embracing his royal duty.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Sir John Falstaff (Orson Welles): A jovial, overweight knight and habitual liar who serves as a mentor and companion to Prince Hal.
• Henry IV (John Gielgud): The conflicted King of England, burdened by guilt and concerned with his son’s irresponsible behavior.
• Prince Hal (Keith Baxter): The heir to the throne who must choose between his loyalty to Falstaff and his duty to his country.
• Doll Tearsheet (Jeanne Moreau): A prostitute with a tender heart who shows kindness to Falstaff.
• Mistress Quickly (Margaret Rutherford): The landlady of the Boar’s Head Tavern and a friend of Falstaff.
• Hotspur (Norman Rodway): A rebellious and ambitious nobleman who challenges King Henry IV’s rule.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Falstaff: “We have heard the chimes at midnight, Master Robert Shallow.” – A poignant reflection on shared memories and the passage of time, spoken during a nostalgic moment.
• Prince Hal: “I know you all, and will awhile uphold The unyoked humour of your idleness.” – Hal acknowledges his association with disreputable characters while foreshadowing his eventual rejection of them.
• King Henry IV: “Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.” – Expressing the burden and responsibility that comes with kingship.
• Prince Hal/King Henry V: “I know thee not, old man: fall to thy prayers.” – The harsh rejection of Falstaff by the newly crowned King, signifying a complete break from his past.
• Falstaff: “What is honour? A word.” – Falstaff’s cynical yet pragmatic view on the concept of honor.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $800,000
• Domestic Gross: $126,724
• Worldwide Gross: $126,724

💥 Chimes at Midnight Reviews

Personal Review

I was totally blown away by Welles’ *Chimes at Midnight*. The way he adapted multiple Shakespeare plays into one cohesive story is nothing short of genius. Seeing Welles himself as Falstaff was amazing – he perfectly captured the character’s boisterousness and underlying sadness. The battle scene alone is worth the watch, incredibly gritty and realistic, especially considering the budget. The movie really made me think about friendship and the cost of ambition. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Orson Welles”
  • “Shakespeare enthusiasts”
  • “Those interested in historical dramas”
  • “Viewers who appreciate complex character studies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “War violence”
  • “Mature themes (alcoholism, betrayal)”
  • “Brief scenes of prostitution”

Professional Reviews

• Collider.com: “Welles’ movie explores the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the loss of innocence. Welles masterfully adapted Shakespeare’s play, creating one of the best war movies ever. The film’s battle scenes stand out for their brutality and realism.
• GoldDerby.com: “Chimes at Midnight showcases Welles’ creativity and passion for filmmaking despite the challenges he faced. The film remains a testament to his enduring legacy as one of cinema’s greatest directors.
• IMDB User Review: ” ‘Chimes at Midnight’ has become one of my favorite movies. It is one of those rare gems that I can watch over and over again, never getting bored. First of all, Welles’ interpretation of Shakespeare is just brilliant. Using material from different plays, he manages to turn the story of Falstaff into something entirely new.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the authentic and brutal portrayal of medieval warfare, especially the chaotic and muddy Battle of Shrewsbury.: The film’s raw, unflinching depiction of battle contrasted sharply with more romanticized portrayals of war, making it memorable and impactful.

Many found Welles’ performance as Falstaff to be deeply moving and nuanced, capturing both the character’s humor and his tragic vulnerability.: Falstaff’s complex character and ultimate rejection resonated with audiences, sparking discussions about loyalty, ambition, and the human condition.

Overall Consensus: A masterfully adapted and directed Shakespearean film that showcases Orson Welles’ brilliance, exploring themes of friendship, betrayal, and the loss of innocence. It’s a must-see for cinephiles and Shakespeare enthusiasts alike, despite its technical imperfections.

Awards

1. BAFTA Film Award (Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles)- 1967

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Orson Welles considered ‘Chimes at Midnight’ his most personal film and the one he wanted to be remembered by.”
• “Welles combined five Shakespeare plays – ‘Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2’, ‘Richard II’, ‘Henry V’, and ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’ – to create the screenplay.”
• “Despite playing an overweight character, Orson Welles had to slim down for the role of Falstaff.”
• “The film was made on a low budget, which is evident in some of the technical aspects, such as sound synchronization.”
• “The Battle of Shrewsbury was filmed with a limited number of extras, but Welles’s editing techniques made it appear much larger in scale.”

🖥️ How to Watch Chimes at Midnight?

As a somewhat rare film, “Chimes at Midnight” can be more challenging to find than mainstream movies. Check streaming services like Criterion Channel where it occasionally appears. It is often available for rent or purchase on platforms such as Apple TV and Google Play Movies. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray can sometimes be found through online retailers like Amazon, but availability varies.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Chimes at Midnight, you might like these similar films:

• Henry V (1989): A direct adaptation of Shakespeare’s Henry V, exploring the king’s transformation and the Battle of Agincourt.
• My Own Private Idaho (1991): A modern reimagining of Shakespeare’s Henry IV plays, with River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves as modern-day Hal and Falstaff figures.
• The King (2019): Another take on the Henry IV/Henry V story, focusing on Hal’s reluctant rise to power and his relationship with Falstaff.
• Ran (1985): Akira Kurosawa’s epic inspired by Shakespeare’s King Lear, sharing themes of power, betrayal, and the decline of a leader.

🛒 Chimes at Midnight Related Products

• The Complete Works of William Shakespeare: This comprehensive collection features all of Shakespeare’s plays, poems, and sonnets, allowing fans to dive deeper into the original source material for *Chimes at Midnight*. It’s the ultimate companion for understanding the Bard’s genius.
• Shakespeare in Ten Acts: An overview that explores the history and enduring significance of Shakespeare on stage and screen. Through essays and images of productions, learn about how the Bard’s works continue to be interpreted and re-imagined for new audiences.
• Orson Welles: The Road to Xanadu: A detailed biography explores the life and career of Orson Welles. Learn about his innovative filmmaking techniques and his struggles with studio interference, gaining a deeper understanding of his creative vision.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Shakespeare – William Shakespeare: This Funko Pop! figure of William Shakespeare is an adorable homage to the writer whose words are the basis for *Chimes at Midnight*. It’s a fun way to celebrate the Bard.

🎧 Soundtrack

Chimes at Midnight features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Opening theme music” – performed by Angelo Francesco Lavagnino
• “The Battle of Shrewsbury” – performed by Angelo Francesco Lavagnino

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

When Shakespeare Got Cool

Ever wondered how Shakespeare went from stuffy old plays to, well, *cool*? This video breaks down how his work has been adapted into popular culture, and ‘Chimes at Midnight’ even gets a shout-out! It’s a surprisingly fun watch.

“Chimes at Midnight” (1965) Coronation

Want a taste of ‘Chimes at Midnight’? Check out this clip of the coronation scene. It perfectly captures the bittersweet moment when Prince Hal rejects Falstaff, and Welles’ portrayal is just incredible!

There’s More To Orson Welles Than Citizen Kane

Think Orson Welles is *just* ‘Citizen Kane’? Think again! This video essay delves into his entire career, including ‘Chimes at Midnight’, and you’ll discover so much more to appreciate about this legendary director and his unique style. Seriously, this is a must-watch if you want a deep dive!

✨ Rate