Experience the new 6K restoration of Orson Welles’ Chimes at Midnight using the Harry Saltzman master negative. The screening will be preceded by an introduction from film critic Jonathan Rosenbaum and the film restorer, Michael Dawson.

Chimes at Midnight is a 1965 film directed by Orson Welles, based on several plays by William Shakespeare, mainly “Henry IV, Part 1″ and ” Henry IV, Part 2″, and elements from “Henry V” and Ralph Holinshed’s The Chronicles of England. The film is a masterpiece of cinematic storytelling, weaving together various scenes and characters from Shakespeare’s plays to create a unique narrative. 

The story follows the character of Sir John Falstaff (played by Orson Welles himself), a charismatic and morally ambiguous figure who is a close friend and companion to King Henry IV (played by Keith Baxter). The film takes place during the final days of King Henry IV’s reign, as the king’s health begins to decline. 

The story revolves around Falstaff’s adventures with his loyal companions, including the young Prince Hal (played by John Baxter), who is struggling with his own identity and sense of purpose. As the king’s health worsens, Falstaff becomes increasingly disillusioned with the changing times and the new generation of courtiers who are rising to power. 

Throughout the film, Welles employs his innovative cinematography and editing techniques to create a dreamlike atmosphere, blending Shakespearean drama with 16th-century settings and characters. The result is a richly textured and deeply human exploration of themes such as loyalty, friendship, power, and mortality. 

Welles said that the core of the film’s story was “betrayal of friendship.” It stars Welles as Falstaff, Keith Baxter as John Gielgud as Henry IV, Jeanne Moreau as Doll Tearsheet, and Margaret Rutherford as Mistress Quickly. 

Chimes at Midnight is widely regarded as one of Welles’ greatest works, and it continues to be celebrated for its unique blend of cinematic artistry and Shakespearean drama.