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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.

Available now

1 hour, 59 minutes

Last on

Christmas Eve 202509:00
BBC Two

  • Witness: Citizen Kane

    Hear archive interviews with Orson Welles about one of the greatest films of all time.

What's so good about Citizen Kane?

It has topped BBC Culture’s list of the greatest American films – and many other polls before. But what’s so good about Citizen Kane?

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 tells the colourful story of their attempt to make a ‘bookend’ to the greatest American film.

Credits

DirectorOrson Welles
Charles Foster KaneOrson Welles
Kane (aged 8)Buddy Swan
Kane IIISonny Bupp
Kane's fatherHarry Shannon
Jedediah LelandJoseph Cotten
Mr. BernsteinEverett Sloane
Mary KaneAgnes Moorehead
James W GettysRay Collins
Susan Alexander KaneDorothy Comingore
Walter Parks ThatcherGeorge Coulouris
RaymondPaul Stewart
Emily NortonRuth Warrick
MatisteFortunio Bonanova
The HeadwaiterGus Schilling
Herbert CarterErskine Sanford
Mr. RawlstonPhilip Van Zandt
Jerry ThompsonWilliam Alland
Director of photographyGregg Toland
WriterHerman J Mankiewicz
ComposerBernard Herrmann

Broadcasts

  • Tue 30 Dec 200823:35
    BBC Four
  • Christmas Day 200919:00
    BBC Four
  • Sat 30 Apr 201112:15
    BBC Two except Wales (Analogue) & Yorkshire
  • Tue 3 May 201121:00
    BBC Four
  • Mon 1 Apr 201309:40
    BBC Two except Wales (Analogue) & Yorkshire
  • Sun 22 Sep 201321:00
    BBC Four
  • Sat 14 Jun 201414:00
    BBC Two except Wales (Analogue) & Yorkshire
  • Sun 3 Jan 201621:00
    BBC Four
  • Sat 23 May 202015:15
    BBC Two except Scotland, Wales (Analogue) & Yorkshire
  • Sat 1 May 202114:30
    BBC Two except Scotland, Wales (Analogue) & Yorkshire
  • Thu 6 May 202120:00
    BBC Four
  • Thu 19 May 202221:00
    BBC Four
  • Thu 18 Jan 202420:00
    BBC Four
  • Fri 20 Dec 202411:05
    BBC Two except Scotland, Wales (Analogue) & Yorkshire
  • Thu 4 Sep 202523:55
    BBC Four
  • Christmas Eve 202509:00
    BBC Two except Scotland, Wales (Analogue) & Yorkshire

Featured in...

Citizen Kane: More than a great movie?

Citizen Kane: More than a great movie?

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

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