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Citizen Kane

A landmark in the history of cinema, telling the story of newspaper magnate Charles Foster Kane in a series of flashbacks. Starring Orson Welles.

Frequently voted one of the best films ever made, Orson Welles's masterpiece tells the story of newspaper magnate Charles Foster Kane in a series of flashbacks. A reporter is intrigued by the dying Kane's last word - rosebud - and sets out to find a new angle on the life of one of the most powerful men in America. Nine Oscar nominations resulted in only one award for the outspoken Welles - Best Screenplay.

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1 hour, 59 minutes

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Friday 11:05

What's so good about Citizen Kane?

It has topped ´óÏó´«Ã½ Culture’s list of the greatest American films – and many other polls before. But ?

Citizen Kane's follow-up: The greatest story never made?

In honour of Orson Welles’ death 30 years ago, his friend film-maker Henry Jaglom of their attempt to make a ‘bookend’ to the greatest American film.

Credits

Role Contributor
Director Orson Welles
Charles Foster Kane Orson Welles
Kane (aged 8) Buddy Swan
Kane III Sonny Bupp
Kane's father Harry Shannon
Jedediah Leland Joseph Cotten
Mr. Bernstein Everett Sloane
Mary Kane Agnes Moorehead
James W Gettys Ray Collins
Susan Alexander Kane Dorothy Comingore
Walter Parks Thatcher George Coulouris
Raymond Paul Stewart
Emily Norton Ruth Warrick
Matiste Fortunio Bonanova
The Headwaiter Gus Schilling
Herbert Carter Erskine Sanford
Mr. Rawlston Philip Van Zandt
Jerry Thompson William Alland
Director of photography Gregg Toland
Writer Herman J Mankiewicz
Composer Bernard Herrmann

Broadcasts

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Citizen Kane: More than a great movie?

On the centenary of Welles' birthday, some things you may not know about the classic film