Review of The Court Jester (1955) by Jacob M — 02 Jun 2013
Danny Kaye plays Hawkins, an actor enjoying his time entertaining people, such as a trapeze midget group. When the rule of the infant King of England is usurped by the evil Roderick (Cecil Parker), Hawkins decides to disguise himself as the king's jester to end his short reign.
The film also stars Basil Rathbone as Roderick's advisor Ravenhurst, Angela Lansbury as the Princess who has a crush on Kaye, Glynis Johns as Jean, a maid who is secretly part of Kaye's group, and Mildred Natwick as Griselda, the Princess's advisor who is also a hypnotist.
Basically, this is The Adventures of Robin Hood with lots more comedy, and that's not a bad thing. I just watched this film recently on Turner Classic Movies, and I left the room with a smile on my face.
Danny Kaye was really hilarious in this film. In every scene he's in, he give us his full comedic range, from his imitations, smart dialogue, and funny facial expressions. His "Pellet with the Poison" speech is laugh-out-loud funny and will probably make a comedy lover pee their pants.
Also entertaining in the swordfight between Danny Kaye and Basil Rathbone at the end of the film. Similar to the one in Adventures of Robin Hood, it's pretty entertaining, funny, and suspenseful at the same time. What's really interesting is the fact that Rathbone was in his 60's when he did this scene, which is even more impressive.
If there are any miscasts in the film, it's Glynis Johns. Her romantic scene with Kaye is awkward and weird. She is also a little on the annoying side. But the good news is, she would later play Mrs. Banks in Mary Poppins, where she was more enjoyable.
I also found it weird that the kingdom would want to bow down to a baby. Yeah, I know that the baby had a birthmark on the butt cheek and was next in line for the throne, but can the revelation just wait until when the baby grows up? Seriously, you can't worship a baby!
In the end, The Court Jester is a pretty funny comedy with a very funny performance from the legendary Danny Kaye.
This review of The Court Jester (1955) was written by Jacob M on 02 Jun 2013.
The Court Jester has generally received very positive reviews.
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