The Court Jester (1955)

John Chard

8.0

Aug 2, 2019

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 Rathbon…

JPV852

8.0

Jan 16, 2021

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**

sykobanana

9.0

May 13, 2021

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…