Chimes at Midnight (1965)

Plot: The career of Shakespeare's Sir John Falstaff as roistering companion to young Prince Hal, circa 1400-1413.
Stars: Orson Welles (Falstaff), Rutherford (Mistress Quickly), John Gielgud (Henry IV), Kieth Baxter (Prince Hal)

Plus: Script, Acting especially Gielgud, Exciting battle scene, Ending, Great blend of comedy and drama
Minus: Hard to follow at times, Occasional Bad sound, Welles' voice

Probably the best written of Welles movies due to his co-author and for once Welles’ tinkering/rewrites actually add value. Welles keeps both the plot and camera moving so boredom is kept to a minimum. However, this leads to jumps in the plot that are hard to follow. The confusion is compounded at times by the occasionally bad audio sound and Welles’ rumble grumble voice which makes his words hard to understand. Sometimes subtitles would have been helpful! Fortunately, the other actors enunciate their words clearly. Visually, the Battle of Shrewsbury is compelling and a triumph of editing. Dramatically, the highlight is Hal’s rejection of Falstaff.

Summary: Almost lives up to the hype. Despite it low budget, Chimes is the most impressive of Welles’ films, Welles was born to play Falstaff, and the source material constrains his usual desire for flash over substance and darkness over humor. Despite its flaws, a must see. ****