Chimes at Midnight

About Chimes at Midnight

"Chimes at Midnight" (also known as "Falstaff"), released in 1967, is a historical drama film directed by Orson Welles, who also starred in the film. The film is an amalgamation of several William Shakespeare's plays, including "Henry IV, Part 1", "Henry IV, Part 2", "Henry V", "Richard II", "The Merry Wives of Windsor", and several others.

The plot follows the story of Sir John Falstaff, an exuberant and lovable rogue who enthralls with his zealous appetites for food, drink, women, and adventures. His riotous ways catch up with him when his surrogate son, Prince Hal steps out from his shadow and ascends the throne as King Henry V, renouncing their past association and banishing Falstaff from the court.

Making / Production

The film was Welles’s personal project, which he financed and shot in Spain over a year. Despite budget constraints, Welles overcame limitless production hurdles to piece together his vision, utilizing innovative cinematography and sound techniques. The film has been highly appreciated for the famous battle scene of Shrewsbury.

Actors

• Orson Welles (Sir John Falstaff): Displayed the character's braggart drunkenness and loyalty exquisitely, winning the heart of the audience with his deep and tragic performance.
• Keith Baxter (Prince Hal): Skillfully transitions his character from a reveling prince to a solemn king, showcasing both vulnerability and strength.
• John Gielgud (Henry IV): Brilliantly portrayed the discontented and disillusioned king, whose emotional gravitas lent a serious undertone to the movie.
• Margaret Rutherford (Mistress Quickly): Brought cheerful humor and sharp wit to the screen with her character as the hostess who outfoxes Falstaff.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• It took Orson Welles almost two decades to finance the film and then it sold fewer than 20,000 tickets when it was released in France.
• The film's famous Battle of Shrewsbury sequence was filmed in total secrecy in Spain, without any interference from the local government.
• The film has been re-edited numerous times, with perhaps the most substantial re-editing occurring for its 2015 restoration.

Awards

"Chimes at Midnight" won two awards at the 1966 Cannes Film Festival - the 20th Anniversary Prize and the Technical Grand Prize. It was also nominated for the Palme d'Or.

Quotes

• "We have heard the chimes at midnight, Master Shallow."
• "I do begin to perceive that I am made an ass."
• "I know thee not, old man: fall to thy prayers."

Music and Soundtrack

• The film's unforgettable music score was composed by Angelo Francesco Lavagnino.
• The haunting sound of midnight chimes, which punctuates the film, adds to the overall tragic atmosphere of the movie.
• To date, the score is regarded as one of Lavagnino's finest works in cinema.