The Court Jester

Discretion is for fools and simpletons.

From the opening credits as Danny Kaye sings dressed as a harlequin jester you get the impression that this film will be a joyous romp, and so it is. Perhaps the most talked about film in Kaye's CV (even though it lost close to two million dollars on release), The Court Jester is a perfect vehicle for his blend of madcap showboating and serene warbling. Here he gets to play both the coward and the hero in a delightful dual role that is as energetic as it is mirthful - and thankfully the supporting cast (Cecil Parker, Angela Lansbury and Basil Rathbone in particular) are clued into the nature of the film to bring about top entertaining results. Though to be fair, it would be ignorant of me to not point out that Glynis Johns' Maid Jean is under formed.

A number of hilarious sequences stand out in the film, from Hubert Hawkins transformation back and forth as Giacomo, to a brilliantly funny knighting ceremony, the film ticks all the boxes for fun family entertainment. Whilst do I need to mention "the vessel with the pestle, the flagon with the dragon, and the chalice with the palace" section of film that rightly stands the time for classic status. Great songs, great routines, Kaye on form, with Rathbone as the hissable villain, what more do you need? The Court Jester, a perfect movie for all the family. 8/10

Really entertaining and all around fun musical parody featuring a charismatic performance from David Kaye and also has Basil Rathbone serviceable as the villain. Also nice having Glynis Johns and Angela Lansbury in there, Johns particularly stunning. 3.75/5

Oh, this is a gem of celluloid that just keeps giving joy. An adventure, comedy, romance, musical made for the whole family.

A movie written specifically for one actor (who then agrees to play the central part) doesnt happen often, let alone have that role portrayed with perfection....But Danny Kaye is that special kind of actor.

A spoof of The Adventures Of Robin Hood that even managed to get its villain, the great Basil Rathbone (and its light-years ahead of Men In Tights). This is an underrated masterpiece that I watch, laugh at and notice new things regularly. It is one of those movies that can always lift your mood (or at the very least make you smile).

The plot starts slowly and simply, becomes intricate, and weaves its medieval tapestry-like threads into a beautiful, neat picture at the end, tying everything up (as all good musicals should).

The dialogue is at a level that we miss in modern film. And the timing of the lines is perfect from the classic chalice from the palace to the: “I’d like to get in, get on with it, get it over with, and get out. Get it? “Got it.” “Good.” This film is endlessly quotable (in fact, the quotes page on IMDB is lengthy).

Perfectly cast, Kaye is supported by Johns and Landsbury who glide across their scenes with grace and beauty, and Rathbone sneers and schemes his way through his limited screen time.

The swordplay in the final fight is glorious - up there with the best (the Princess Bride) in terms of skill and creativity.

And the small gestures that the actors make through the movie, be they nudges, winks, kicks....the detail and timing here is outstanding and worthy of the greatest comedians in the business.

What else - the costumes (perfectly completed by Edith Head) and sets are gorgeous. The colouring is stunning in a way that only a few films are. And the music will keep you humming (and whistling) for ages after. Hell, they even tried to make the credits interesting as Danny sings about the different roles involved in the making of the movie.

My issues (and why its not 5 stars) - the pacing (it starts out very slow), the effects (rope swings, etc) and the "march" feel dated.

But, I fell in love with this movie as a child (when my Mother introduced me to it). It became a regular watch on video. For me this has just gotten better as I get older, and like any long term loves, the issues fall aside. One of my top 10 favourites of all time.