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Poster for Chimes at Midnight

Chimes at Midnight

Seen it?

1965 | 115 min | Comedy, Drama, History, War

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (96% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who wants a laugh and history buffs. If you loved Casualties of War or Touch of Evil, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Funny with heart, intense.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 55 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1965: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

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.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    96% on Rotten Tomatoes, 94 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.2 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $800K worldwide on a $800K budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 86K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Orson Welles

  • Orson WellesFalstaff
  • Keith BaxterPrince Hal
  • John GielgudHenry IV
  • Jeanne MoreauDoll Tearsheet
  • Margaret RutherfordMistress Quickly
  • Marina VladyKate Percy
  • Walter ChiariMr. Silence
  • Michael AldridgePistol
  • Tony BeckleyNed Poins
  • Jeremy RowePrince John