Is Chimes at Midnight Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Chimes at Midnight is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 115 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Chimes at Midnight Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1965, Chimes at Midnight emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Drama, History, War domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Henry IV usurps the English throne, sets in motion the factious War of the Roses and now faces a rebellion led by Northumberland scion Hotspur. Unlike standard genre fare, Chimes at Midnight attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Chimes at Midnight features a noteworthy lineup led by Orson Welles . Supported by the likes of Keith Baxter and John Gielgud , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Chimes at Midnight (1965) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.2/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Chimes at Midnight Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Chimes at Midnight is a Comedy, Drama, History, War film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Chimes at Midnight Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Chimes at Midnight resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to comedy resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Chimes at Midnight reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Chimes at Midnight Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Chimes at Midnight draws heavily from documented historical records. As a comedy, drama, history, war film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: Chimes at Midnight adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Chimes at Midnight?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Chimes at Midnight Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $800.0K |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Chimes at Midnight Budget
The estimated production budget for Chimes at Midnight is $800.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Chimes at Midnight
- Orson Welles – Falstaff
- Keith Baxter – Prince Hal
- John Gielgud – Henry IV
- Jeanne Moreau – Doll Tearsheet
- Margaret Rutherford – Mistress Quickly
Top Highlights
Orson WellesFalstaff
Keith BaxterPrince Hal
John GielgudHenry IV
Jeanne MoreauDoll Tearsheet
Margaret RutherfordMistress Quickly
Marina VladyKate Percy
Walter ChiariMr. Silence
Michael AldridgePistol
Tony BeckleyNed Poins
Jeremy RowePrince John
Where to Watch Chimes at Midnight Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
HBO Max
HBO Max Amazon Channel
Criterion Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Chimes at Midnight is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.2/10, and global collection metrics, Chimes at Midnight stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1965 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chimes at Midnight movie hit or flop?
Chimes at Midnight is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.2/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Comedy, Drama, History movies.
Is Chimes at Midnight worth watching?
Yes, Chimes at Midnight is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Comedy, Drama, History cinema.
Where can I watch Chimes at Midnight online?
Chimes at Midnight is currently available for streaming on HBO Max. You can also check for it on platforms like HBO Max, HBO Max Amazon Channel, Criterion Channel depending on your region.
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How Chimes at Midnight Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Chimes at Midnight
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
