Some called him a hero...others called him a heel.
- Released on April 17, 1941
In the classic film "Citizen Kane," directed and starring Orson Welles, the audience is introduced to a complex and multifaceted character, Charles Foster Kane, portrayed by Welles himself. Alongside Welles, Joseph Cotten delivers a memorable performance as Jedediah Leland, a close friend and confidant of Kane. The film is a study of Kane's life, as it delves into his relationships, his motivations, and his ultimate downfall.
Charles Foster Kane's life takes a drastic turn when he is taken away from his mother as a young boy and placed under the guardianship of a wealthy industrialist. This pivotal moment in Kane's life shapes his every action and decision, as he grapples with the trauma of being separated from his mother. Every choice he makes, whether it be his pursuit of power, his tyrannical behavior, or his self-destructive tendencies, can be traced back to this formative event.
As Kane rises to become a powerful newspaper magnate, his relationships with those around him become increasingly strained. His friendship with Jedediah Leland, played by Joseph Cotten, is a central focus of the film. Leland serves as a moral compass for Kane, often challenging his questionable decisions and reminding him of the importance of integrity. Despite their close bond, Kane's actions ultimately drive a wedge between the two friends, leading to a heartbreaking betrayal. Through its exploration of Kane's life, "Citizen Kane" offers a poignant commentary on the corrupting influence of power and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
Full Cast of Citizen Kane
Orson Welles
as Charles Foster Kane
Orson Welles's portrayal of Charles Foster Kane in "Citizen Kane" is nothing short of iconic. His performance is a masterclass in character development, as he seamlessly transitions from an idealistic young man to a jaded, powerful media mogul. Welles's Kane is complex and multifaceted, with a deep sense of loneliness and loss that is palpable throughout the film. His delivery of the famous line, "Rosebud," is filled with such longing and regret that it has become one of the most memorable moments in cinema history. Overall, Welles's performance is a tour de force that elevates "Citizen Kane" to the status of a cinematic masterpiece.
Joseph Cotten
as Jedediah Leland
Joseph Cotten's portrayal of Jedediah Leland in 'Citizen Kane' is a standout performance that adds depth and complexity to the narrative. As Kane's closest friend and confidant, Cotten brings a sense of authenticity and vulnerability to the character. His nuanced delivery of dialogue and subtle expressions effectively convey Leland's loyalty, disillusionment, and eventual betrayal. Cotten's performance is a testament to his talent and versatility as an actor, making Leland a memorable and compelling character in this cinematic masterpiece.
Ray Collins
as Jim W. Gettys
Ray Collins's performance as Jim W. Gettys in 'Citizen Kane' is a masterclass in understated villainy. As the corrupt political boss, Collins imbues Gettys with a calm, almost amused demeanor that belies his ruthless ambition. His scenes with protagonist Charles Foster Kane (Orson Welles) crackle with tension, as Gettys coolly manipulates Kane's political aspirations to his own advantage. Collins's performance is a perfect foil to Welles's larger-than-life Kane, and his subtle, nuanced portrayal of Gettys is a key factor in the film's enduring status as a cinematic classic.
George Coulouris
as Walter Parks Thatcher
George Coulouris delivers a compelling performance as Walter Parks Thatcher in "Citizen Kane." As the stern, no-nonsense banker and guardian to Charles Foster Kane, Coulouris brings a sense of gravitas and authority to the role. His portrayal of Thatcher is marked by a cool detachment and a rigid adherence to financial principles, which serves as a stark contrast to Kane's more impulsive and emotional nature. Coulouris's performance is particularly noteworthy in the scenes where he clashes with Kane, as he effectively conveys Thatcher's disapproval and disappointment without resorting to overt displays of anger or frustration. Overall, Coulouris's portrayal of Thatcher is a key component in the film's exploration of power, wealth, and the corrupting influence of both.
Agnes Moorehead
as Mary Kane
Agnes Moorehead's portrayal of Mary Kane in "Citizen Kane" is a powerful and memorable performance, despite her limited screen time. Moorehead brings a sense of quiet strength and determination to the character, making her a formidable presence even in her brief appearances. Her performance is marked by a sense of restraint and subtlety, with Moorehead conveying Mary's emotions and motivations through her expressions and body language rather than through dialogue. This understated approach adds depth and complexity to the character, making her a compelling and intriguing figure in the film. Overall, Moorehead's performance as Mary Kane is a testament to her talent as an actress and her ability to create a fully realized character in a limited amount of screen time.
William Alland
as Jerry Thompson/Narrator
Buddy Swan
as Young Charles Foster Kane
Don Ackerman
as Man at Party in Everglades (uncredited)
Demetrius Alexis
as Newsreel Man (uncredited)
Art Dupuis
as Newsreel Man (uncredited)
Rudy Germane
as Newsreel Man (uncredited)
Mike Lally
as Newsreel Man (uncredited)
Walter Lawrence
as Newsreel Man (uncredited)
Victor Romito
as Newsreel Man (uncredited)
William Alston
as Man at Xanadu Great Hall (uncredited)
Jack Gargan
as Man at Xanadu Great Hall (uncredited)
Terrance Ray
as Man at Boat Dock (uncredited)
Sally Corner
as Woman at Boat Dock (uncredited)
Walter Bacon
as City Room Employee (uncredited)
Herbert Corthell
as City Editor (uncredited)
Harry A. Bailey
as Man Singing at Inquirer Party (uncredited)
Danny Borzage
as Man Singing at Inquirer Party (uncredited)
Tom Coleman
as Man Singing at Inquirer Party (uncredited)
Carl Deloro
as Man Singing at Inquirer Party (uncredited)
Robert Haines
as Man Singing at Inquirer Party (uncredited)
Ludwig Lowry
as Man Singing at Inquirer Party (uncredited)
Hercules Mendez
as Man Singing at Inquirer Party (uncredited)
Paddy O'Flynn
as Man Singing at Inquirer Party (uncredited)
Sam Rice
as Man Singing at Inquirer Party (uncredited)
Don Roberts
as Man Singing at Inquirer Party (uncredited)
Harry Burkhardt
as Wedding Guest (uncredited)
Eddie Coke
as Reporter (uncredited)
Guy Repp
as Reporter (uncredited)
Buck Mack
as Reporter at Boat Deck (uncredited)
Thomas A. Curran
as Teddy Roosevelt (uncredited)
George Noisom
as Copy Boy (uncredited)
Bert LeBaron
as Newspaperman at Trenton Town Hall (uncredited)
Clyde McAtee
as Newspaperman at Trenton Town Hall (uncredited)
Perc Launders
as Man in Projection Room (uncredited)
Suzanne Dulier
as French Maid (uncredited)
Al Eben
as Solly (uncredited)
Johnny Eckert
as Car-Driver (uncredited)
Carl Ekberg
as Adolf Hitler (uncredited)
Carl Faulkner
as Hermann Goring (uncredited)
Juanita Fields
as Dancer (uncredited)
Edna Mae Jones
as Dancer (uncredited)
Leda Nicova
as Dancer (uncredited)
Jolane Reynolds
as Dancer (uncredited)
Louise Franklin
as Susan's Maid (uncredited)
Peter Gowland
as Guest (uncredited)
Jimmy Grant
as Man at Party in Everglades (uncredited)
Ernest Grooney
as Man on Hospital Roof (uncredited)
Jack Gwynne
as Man on Hospital Roof (uncredited)
Teddy Mangean
as Man on Roof (uncredited)
Bryan 'Slim' Hightower
as Fish Driver (uncredited)
Philip Morris
as Politician (uncredited)
Francis Sayles
as Politician (uncredited)
George W. Jimenez
as Waiter at Inquirer Party (uncredited)
Ellen Lowe
as Ms. Townsend (uncredited)
James T. Mack
as Prompter (uncredited)
Mickey Martin
as Newsboy (uncredited)
Bruce Sidney
as Newsman (uncredited)
Major McBride
as Shadowgraph Man (uncredited)
Irving Mitchell
as Dr. Corey (uncredited)
Lillian Nicholson
as Woman at Opera (uncredited)
Joseph North
as Secretary (uncredited)
Field Norton
as Opera Spectator (uncredited)
Dick Scott
as Opera Spectator (uncredited)
Thomas Pogue
as Man (uncredited)
Lillian O'Malley
as Woman in Front of Chronicle Building (uncredited)
Jack Raymond
as Stagehand (uncredited)
Gohr Van Vleck
as Stagehand (uncredited)
Myrtle Rishell
as Big Governess (uncredited)
George Sherwood
as Hireling (uncredited)
Tudor Williams
as Chorus Master (uncredited)
Arthur Yeoman
as Speaker (uncredited)
Tim Davis
as Copy Boy (uncredited)
Arthur Kay
as Orchestra Leader (Uncredited)
John Alban
as Reporter (uncredited)
Finn Zirzow
as Audience Member (uncredited)
Sam Harris
as Newsreel Man (uncredited)
Dorothy Cleveland
as Woman in Front of Chronicle Building (uncredited)