Chimes at Midnight (1965)

In the dark and vibrant corners of late medieval England, the mirthful and gargantuan knight, Sir John Falstaff (Orson Welles), reigns supreme in a world drawn from the profound depths of Shakespeare’s "Henry IV" and selected other plays. Embarking on a boisterous journey of life, Falstaff becomes an unlikely hero, shaping his destiny as the jovial drinking companion to young Prince Hal (Keith Baxter). This unlikely pair revels in their merry antics, navigating through a sea of philosophical jests, raucous roistering, and unconventional warfare. Simultaneously, the aging King Henry IV (Sir John Gielgud) observes with a heavy heart as his heir apparent and son, Hal, is entranced by the reckless, yet intoxicating life offered by the roguish Falstaff. As the impending day of ascension to the throne looms closer, the youthful Prince finds himself on a precarious tightrope, torn between the austere expectations of his royal father and the decadent allure of his dissolute mentor. Chimes at Midnight weaves these extracts into a cohesive tapestry, charting Falstaff's rollicking career and his ultimate disillusionment. This tale of loyalty, friendship, and the painful choice between duty and desire is set against the backdrop of a starkly authentic medieval England, bringing the timeless resonance of Shakespeare to life in a manner both captivating and poignant.

Chimes at Midnight is a comedy movie featuring Orson Welles.

Chimes at Midnight is currently streaming on Criterion Channel, Max Amazon Channel and TCM.

It is also possible to buy Chimes at Midnight on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.