Product: The Court Jester [VHS] (1956)
Rating: 5.0
Nobody's Fool
How can I express my admiration for this movie? Of course it's not vulgar and doesn't contain gratuitous ANYTHING except laughs, but what makes it so unique is the pure joy the actors find in their roles. Being an actor myself, I can only dream of finding a part as difficult/rewarding as the Court Jester. .and being half as talented as Danny Kaye! The production looks beautiful (check it out on DVD!)and it's that rare movie that everyone can enjoy without feeling like they're buying into some nostalgic period piece that's only revered for its age. This is what movies are at their best. It's so eerie to see Angela Lansbury young. . .Basil Rathbone is silkily menacing. Kaye's mannerisms are all toned down, and only the sublime ones remain. The costumes are lavish and wonderful to look at; the supporting actors are all memorable. It works on every level. My favorite part is the hilarious song Kaye sings to entertain the court. Check out his grin. 1,000 words cannot do justice to this great work, but going out and seeing it will.