THE COURT JESTER MOVIE MOVIE
THE COURT JESTER MOVIE SERIES

Kaye switches characters at a drop of a hat and it's mesmorizing to watch him do it. At one point, while hiding behind a curtain, the king and Princess Gwendolyn exchange heated words, which leads to the two snapping their fingers at each other back-and-forth. She initiates the transformation with the snap of her fingers and Kaye goes from bumbling fool to swashbuckling hero. There's a sequence where the princess's handmaiden Griselda hypnotizes Hawkins to believe he's the dashing, confident, hero that Princess Gwendolyn is looking for. Versatility in actors isn't as entirely rare as some make it sound, but Danny Kaye really was something extraordinary. Kaye proves more than up to the task as comedic and swashbuckling leading man, and I couldn't help but be truly impressed by his performance here.

To infiltrate the castle, Hawkins poses as a new jester, named Giacomo, and hilarity ensues as he catches the eye of the king's daughter Princess Gwendolyn (Angela Lansbury), and the scrutiny of the villainous Sir Ravenhurst (Basil Rathbone). Instead, a newborn that bears the mark of royalty on his bum is the rightful ruler, and the Fox and his team hope to sneak the baby into the castle to establish him where he belongs. The king of their kingdom claimed the throne but is not the rightful heir. The Court Jester is a musical comedy that centers around a performer named Hawkins who is part of a rebellion lead by a Robin Hood-like hero called the Black Fox. And that is why his 1956 film The Court Jester works so well. But like Hope and (probably) Crosby, Kaye is most known for his comedic talents. Kaye's silly antics are often an acquired taste, but the man was no doubt a tremendous talent he could sing, dance, act, do comedy, romance, and even drama.

THE COURT JESTER MOVIE SERIES

I loved watching Bing Crosby team up with Bob Hope for the series of movies they once did, but still my favorite film for both Crosby and Kaye is that holiday favorite. When Danny Kaye's name is mentioned, it's the first film that comes to mind. Nearly every Christmas season, it's a must for me and my family to watch White Christmas.

THE COURT JESTER MOVIE MOVIE

Movie Reviews (Main) > Movie Reviews (Main).Indie Reviews (Main) > Indie Reviews (Main).

The court jester movie