The legendary Shakespearean character Sir John Falstaff, the notoriously drunken, obese, and yet charming companion of the young Henry V, steps up from supporting character in several plays to the central focus of Orson Welles Chimes at Midnight, considered by many critics the best of the directors acclaimed Shakespeare films. The script borrows scenes from several plays, but draws most heavily on the two parts of Henry IV, focusing on the shifting relationship between Falstaff and Prince Hal. Beginning as the princes companion in debauchery and idleness, the corpulent jokester finds himself falling out of favor as the prince comes to terms with the importance of his destiny as Englands future leader. While Falstaffs ample wit is still much in evidence, the film places greater emphasis on the tragic character beneath all the joviality, with Welles perfectly embodying this mixture of spiritually youthful prankster and sad adult. While his towering performance naturally takes center stage, the other cast members are also superb. The films visual elements are also strong, with Welles attention to composition matching his sensitivity to character. There are technical imperfections due to the films extremely limited budget, including an inconsistent soundtrack, but they are unable to overshadow the films many achievements.~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide