Citizen Kane

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.

Main Cast of Citizen 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'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'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 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'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.

Secondary Cast of Citizen Kane

Buddy Swan

Young Charles Foster Kane

Don Ackerman

Man at Party in Everglades (uncredited)

Demetrius Alexis

Newsreel Man (uncredited)

Art Dupuis

Newsreel Man (uncredited)

Walter Lawrence

Newsreel Man (uncredited)

Victor Romito

Newsreel Man (uncredited)

William Alston

Man at Xanadu Great Hall (uncredited)

Jack Gargan

Man at Xanadu Great Hall (uncredited)

Terrance Ray

Man at Boat Dock (uncredited)

Sally Corner

Woman at Boat Dock (uncredited)

Walter Bacon

City Room Employee (uncredited)

Herbert Corthell

City Editor (uncredited)

Harry A. Bailey

Man Singing at Inquirer Party (uncredited)

Danny Borzage

Man Singing at Inquirer Party (uncredited)

Tom Coleman

Man Singing at Inquirer Party (uncredited)

Carl Deloro

Man Singing at Inquirer Party (uncredited)

Robert Haines

Man Singing at Inquirer Party (uncredited)

Ludwig Lowry

Man Singing at Inquirer Party (uncredited)

Hercules Mendez

Man Singing at Inquirer Party (uncredited)

Paddy O'Flynn

Man Singing at Inquirer Party (uncredited)

Sam Rice

Man Singing at Inquirer Party (uncredited)

Don Roberts

Man Singing at Inquirer Party (uncredited)

Eddie Coke

Reporter (uncredited)

Guy Repp

Reporter (uncredited)

Buck Mack

Reporter at Boat Deck (uncredited)

Thomas A. Curran

Teddy Roosevelt (uncredited)

George Noisom

Copy Boy (uncredited)

Bert LeBaron

Newspaperman at Trenton Town Hall (uncredited)

Clyde McAtee

Newspaperman at Trenton Town Hall (uncredited)

Perc Launders

Man in Projection Room (uncredited)

Suzanne Dulier

French Maid (uncredited)

Al Eben

Solly (uncredited)

Johnny Eckert

Car-Driver (uncredited)

Carl Ekberg

Adolf Hitler (uncredited)

Carl Faulkner

Hermann Goring (uncredited)

Juanita Fields

Dancer (uncredited)

Edna Mae Jones

Dancer (uncredited)

Leda Nicova

Dancer (uncredited)

Jolane Reynolds

Dancer (uncredited)

Louise Franklin

Susan's Maid (uncredited)

Peter Gowland

Guest (uncredited)

Jimmy Grant

Man at Party in Everglades (uncredited)

Ernest Grooney

Man on Hospital Roof (uncredited)

Jack Gwynne

Man on Hospital Roof (uncredited)

Teddy Mangean

Man on Roof (uncredited)

Bryan 'Slim' Hightower

Fish Driver (uncredited)

Philip Morris

Politician (uncredited)

Francis Sayles

Politician (uncredited)

George W. Jimenez

Waiter at Inquirer Party (uncredited)

Ellen Lowe

Ms. Townsend (uncredited)

James T. Mack

Prompter (uncredited)

Mickey Martin

Newsboy (uncredited)

Bruce Sidney

Newsman (uncredited)

Major McBride

Shadowgraph Man (uncredited)

Irving Mitchell

Dr. Corey (uncredited)

Lillian Nicholson

Woman at Opera (uncredited)

Joseph North

Secretary (uncredited)

Field Norton

Opera Spectator (uncredited)

Dick Scott

Opera Spectator (uncredited)

Thomas Pogue

Man (uncredited)

Lillian O'Malley

Woman in Front of Chronicle Building (uncredited)

Jack Raymond

Stagehand (uncredited)

Gohr Van Vleck

Stagehand (uncredited)

Myrtle Rishell

Big Governess (uncredited)

George Sherwood

Hireling (uncredited)

Tudor Williams

Chorus Master (uncredited)

Arthur Yeoman

Speaker (uncredited)

Arthur Kay

Orchestra Leader (Uncredited)

John Alban

Reporter (uncredited)

Finn Zirzow

Audience Member (uncredited)

Dorothy Cleveland

Woman in Front of Chronicle Building (uncredited)

Crew of Citizen Kane