On May 1, 1941, Citizen Kane, directed by Orson Welles, premiered at the RKO Palace Theatre in New York City. The film, which Welles also co-wrote, produced, and starred in, is widely considered one of the greatest movies ever made and has had a lasting impact on the world of cinema.

Citizen Kane tells the story of Charles Foster Kane, a wealthy and influential newspaper magnate, through a series of flashbacks and interviews conducted by a journalist seeking to uncover the meaning behind Kane's dying words: "Rosebud." The film's innovative storytelling techniques, including its non-linear narrative structure, deep focus cinematography, and creative use of lighting and camera angles, have been studied and emulated by filmmakers for decades.

Upon its release, Citizen Kane was met with controversy due to its thinly-veiled portrayal of William Randolph Hearst, a powerful media mogul of the time. Hearst attempted to suppress the film's distribution, which initially limited its commercial success. However, the movie's reputation grew over time, and it has since been recognized with numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Orson Welles, who was only 25 years old when he made Citizen Kane, became a Hollywood sensation and went on to direct other notable films such as The Magnificent Ambersons (1942) and Touch of Evil (1958). His work on Citizen Kane, however, remains his most enduring legacy, cementing his status as a visionary filmmaker and pioneering figure in the history of cinema.

The premiere of Citizen Kane on May 1, 1941, marked a significant moment in film history, introducing a groundbreaking masterpiece that continues to inspire and influence filmmakers and cinephiles around the world.