This film screened 8th June 2016.

Chimes at Midnight was originally a disastrously unsuccessful stage production, the Dublin performance of which marked Orson Welles’ last appearance as an actor in the theatre. The film presents an abridged compilation of both parts of Henry IV, and adds some scenes from Richard II and Henry V, along with some text from The Merry Wives of Windsor.

Welles himself plays the part of Sir John Falstaff, the “abominable misleader of youth” who is friend to Prince Hal (Keith Baxter), heir to the throne. Their troubled relationship plays out against the backdrop of a country at war in a film Welles regarded as his personal favourite.

This film is screening as part of our Shakespeare Lives season June 8th – 30th.