Product: The Court Jester [VHS] (1956)
Rating: 5.0
Superlative Comedy - Danny Kaye at his finest
My sister and I, both in our 40s, can still recite "the pellet with the poison is in the vessel with the pestle - the flagon with the dragon has the brew that is true." Or was it the chalice from the palace... I can't remember the first time that I saw this movie, but it's been a favorite of mine for as long as I can remember. I bought it on VHS shortly after I got my first VCR. Years later, it was one of the first DVDs I bought. After at least 25 years and probably more than a hundred viewings, I still laugh every time I watch it.Danny Kaye, a true master of the musical comedy, delivers a performance that is flawless. His comic timing, musical ability, and physical ability all come together in his characterization of the bumbling court jester. Combine this with the incredible performances of Basil Rathbone, Glynis Johns, and Angela Lansbury and you've got a movie that should be in everyone's top 10 (okay, maybe top 20).I remember seeing a special on Danny Kaye during which they interviewed the fencing master who trained Danny Kaye for the sword fight sequences. He commented that Danny quickly picked up the fight choreography and was, in short time, able to perfectly execute the sequence at a speed that even his teacher couldn't keep up with. That seems to perfectly capture the essence of Danny Kaye. He was a master of his art and one who others were incapable of keeping up with.I promise, you will never be disappointed with this outstanding film. Sit back and enjoy.