The Battle Over Citizen Kane

Explores the battle between William Randolph Hearst and Orson Welles over the release of Citizen Kane. Alternates between the life stories of the two men up to the time of the filming, then examines the making of Citizen Kane, Hearst's attempts to block the picture's release and Welles' fight to get it into theaters, as well as the eventual ruin of Welles. Portrays both men as egotistical geniuses who were ahead of their time in their ideas, but who were given too much power. Offers commentary from contemporaries, biographers and film historians, and includes commentary from Welles.