Year: 1941
Runtime: 1 h 59 m
Language: English
Following the death of publishing tycoon Charles Foster Kane, a reporter is tasked with uncovering the meaning behind his final, mysterious word: "Rosebud." Through interviews with Kane's acquaintances—friends, rivals, and family—the reporter pieces together a portrait of a complex and often contradictory man, exploring his childhood, career, and ultimately, the source of his enduring unhappiness. The investigation reveals a story of ambition, love, loss, and the elusive nature of memory.
Get a spoiler-free look at Citizen Kane (1941) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the hushed moments of a dying tycoon’s final breath, a single, puzzling word hangs in the air, beckoning anyone who hears it to wonder what life lay behind it. The story opens with the enigmatic Charles Foster Kane—a self‑made magnate whose name has become synonymous with power, wealth, and the relentless churn of the press. His sprawling estate, the glittering yet solitary Xanadu, reflects both his triumphs and the void that now seems to define his legacy.
Enter Jerry Thompson, a seasoned newsreel producer tasked with turning the mystery into a story the world can grasp. With a notebook and a keen ear for human truth, Thompson sets out to piece together the fragments of a man whose public persona was built on bold headlines, grand ambitions, and an uncanny ability to shape opinion. The investigation pulls him through opulent halls, bustling newsrooms, and quiet, shadowed corners where memories linger like dust on priceless furniture.
The film’s tone is a mix of noir‑ish curiosity and melancholic reflection, capturing the clash between the bright glare of fame and the somber shadows of forgotten childhood. Conversations with those who knew Kane—friends, rivals, and lovers—reveal a man whose charisma is matched only by the contradictions that haunted him. The world feels both expansive and intimate, a grand empire of ink and glass juxtaposed with fleeting, personal moments that hint at an ever‑present yearning for something lost.
As Thompson weaves together testimonies, the audience is invited to contemplate how a single word can embody a lifetime of ambition, love, and regret. The mystery remains tantalizingly out of reach, leaving the viewer perched on the edge of revelation, eager to discover what, if anything, can truly define a life as layered as Kane’s.
Last Updated: August 11, 2025 at 07:50
Don't stop at just watching — explore Citizen Kane in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Citizen Kane is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Citizen Kane, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of Citizen Kane with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like Citizen Kane that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Citizen Kane (1941) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Citizen Kane (1941) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Citizen Kane (1941) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like Citizen Kane – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
The Long Goodbye (1973) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Mank (2020) Full Summary & Key Details
Knives Out (2019) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993) Detailed Story Recap
Kafka (1991) Full Movie Breakdown
A Kind of Murder (2016) Full Movie Breakdown
I Love Your Work (2005) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Gaslight (1944) Story Summary & Characters
North by Northwest (1959) Full Movie Breakdown
Manhattan Night (2016) Movie Recap & Themes
The Majestic (2001) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
All the King's Men (2006) Movie Recap & Themes
Citizen Koch (2014) Full Summary & Key Details
Kansas (1988) Movie Recap & Themes