The Battle Over Citizen Kane is a fascinating documentary drama that features David McCullough, Orson Welles, and William Randolph Hearst. It offers a keen insight into one of Hollywood's most controversial films, Citizen Kane, and examines the war behind the scenes that is arguably as dramatic as the film itself.

At the helm of this compelling drama is host David McCullough, who artfully navigates through this convoluted history, unraveling the complexities of the dispute that rocked Hollywood. This gripping documentary depicts the classic showdown between two powerhouse figures of their time: Orson Welles and William Randolph Hearst.

Orson Welles, celebrated for his radio drama War of the Worlds, emerged as the visionary director of Citizen Kane, a film often declared as one of the best American movies ever made. Welles, with his inherent gift for storytelling and adoration for innovation, brought about a remarkable transformation to cinema. This bold 1941 movie introduces a dynamic narrative structure and cutting-edge cinematography that overshadowed the traditional Hollywood system.

Juxtaposing Welles’s story is that of William Randolph Hearst, the newspaper magnate on whom the movie's central character Charles Foster Kane is allegedly based. Hearst was one of the most powerful men of his time, wielding enormous influence over American politics and public opinion through his expansive media empire. His life, like that of Kane, was characterized by a sense of grandeur, a pursuit of power, and an underlying desolation.

The Battle over Citizen Kane intelligently stitches together the parallel lives of these strikingly similar yet uniquely different figures. Both Welles and Hearst were larger-than-life personalities who managed to capture the American imagination in their distinctive manners. However, when Welles dared to portray a character seemingly mirroring Hearst, the stage was set for an epic confrontation.

This PBS documentary brilliantly captures the ensuing battle, as it traces the efforts by Hearst to suppress the film—a battle that ensnared studio heads, actors, theatres, and finally the audience themselves, leaving neither party entirely victorious. The documentary brings forth perspectives from different players in this drama, including those who were intimately involved in the creation of the film.

The battle was not merely about a movie but a struggle over reputation, governance of the mass media, and the true nature of American democracy. Speculations about Hearst using his media power to control public sentiment and political discourse come into the limelight. In parallel, questions arise about whether Welles's film was purely artistic creativity or a willful jab at Hearst. The film seeks to paint an impartial picture, leaving the final judgement to viewers.

McCullough's knowledgeable narration and charismatic presence provide a sophisticated layer to this tale of art and power. Throughout the documentary, McCullough brings forth a fascinating blend of archival footage, interviews, still photos, and recreations. These techniques collectively serve to transport the audience back in time, immersing them into the heat of this historic battle.

The Battle Over Citizen Kane proves to be a riveting exploration of artistic freedom, ambition, ego, power, and the influence of mass media. It dives deep into the lives of two immense personalities, their shared yearnings, and their fierce contention. It is not just about the contentious making of a movie, but a phenomenal tale of two great American pioneers who lived their lives in bold strokes, ultimately clashing in an unforgettable struggle.

The film is a must-see for fans of Citizen Kane and classic movie aficionados, providing a rare glimpse into one of Hollywood's most debated behind-the-scenes battles. Its educational and entertaining narration serves as an enlightening guide to one of cinema's most progressive eras and the volatile dynamics of Hollywood's Golden Age. It offers a mirror to our society, reflecting the fabric of American media, politics, and culture.

The Battle Over Citizen Kane is not just a documentary, but a compelling portrayal of life imitating art, where the boundary between cinema and reality becomes blurred, leaving audiences spellbound. With its rich storytelling and spellbinding narrative, the film is not just an account of a past struggle but a timeless exegesis of power, ambition, and the ceaseless longing for recognition and respect.