Learn about one of the greatest American films of all time, Citizen Kane
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| Top 10 American Movies - Citizen Kane |
| The movie "Citizen Kane" was an American dramatic film released in 1941. It was based on the life of Charles Foster Kane, an extremely wealthy media mogul. The movie begins by showing Kane dying in his bed. As he dies, he is shown holding a snow globe that falls from his hand as he whispers his last word, "Rosebud." |
| Kane's death is national news, and reporter Jerry Thompson decides to find out about Kane's life and particularly about his last word. The reporter first interviews Susan Alexander, Kane's second wife, who refuses to tell him anything. He then reviews the archives of Walter Parks Thatcher, a deceased banker who was Kane's childhood guardian. Thatcher has left a written memoir of Kane's childhood. Thompson then interviews Kane's business manager, his friend, and his butler. |
| Thompson's research reveals that Kane grew up in poverty until a large gold mine was discovered on his parents' property. His mother sent him away to live with Thatcher to be educated. When he turned twenty-five, he gained control over his inheritance and went into the newspaper business. Through manipulation and deceit, Kane becomes extremely rich and powerful. Over the years, Kane's marriage falls apart, and he begins an affair with Alexander. When the affair is discovered, both his marriage and his political career end. Kane marries Alexander, but eventually their marriage also comes to an end. Kane spends the rest of his life tending to his businesses and interacting only with his servants. The butler recounts that Kane had said "Rosebud" after Susan left him and right after seeing a snow globe. |
| At the end of the film, it is revealed that "Rosebud" was the name of the sled from Kane's childhood. It was his memory of the only time in his life when he was truly happy. |
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