Directed by:
Orson WellesCinematography:
Edmond RichardCast:
Orson Welles, Jeanne Moreau, Margaret Rutherford, John Gielgud, Marina Vlady, Walter Chiari, Tony Beckley, Fernando Rey, Keith Baxter, Ralph Richardson (more)Plots(1)
On the brink of Civil War, King Henry IV (John Gielgud) attempts to consolidate his reign while fretting with unease over his sons seeming neglect of his royal duties. Hal (Keith Baxter), the young Prince, openly consorts with Sir John Falstaff (Orson Welles) and his company of “Diana’s foresters, Gentlemen of the shade, Minions of the moon”. Hal’s friendship with the fat knight substitutes for his estrangement from his father. Both Falstaff and the King are old and tired; both rely on Hal for comfort in their final years, while the young Prince, the future Henry V, nurtures his own ambitions. (Mr. Bongo Films)
(more)Reviews (1)
Orson Welles was simply such a talented filmmaker and actor that he could have filmed just about anything, and in some aspects, it would be a great film. Shakespeare wasn't necessarily his forte, but in the realm of his plays, he demonstrated a great approach, even in this case when he chose an unconventional position. Acting-wise, the film is absolutely superb, and Orson knew exactly what he was doing.
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