A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur's Court/The Emperor Waltz - Double Feature
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court Bing Crosby stars in this light and lively musical version of Mark Twain's timeless comedy. Der Bingle is a turn-of-the-century blacksmith who is knocked unconscious only to awaken in sixth-century Camelot. But thanks to some American know-how, the crooner is quickly hailed as a wiz of a wizard and granted the right to teach Rhonda Fleming, the King's fetching niece, some decidedly contemporary romantic tricks. Alas, there's trouble afoot when Bing locks "magical" horns with the all-powerful Merlin and is challenged to a joust by Sir Lancelot for the hand of the beautiful princess! Co-starring Sir Cedric Hardwicke and William Bendix, the classic fantasy also features a marvelous score by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke, along with such hits as "Busy Doing Nothing" and "Once and for Always." The Emperor Waltz Just imagine: Viennese royalty, elegantly dressed ladies, dashing courtiers, and Bing Crosby in his old straw hat sharing the Danube and the court of Emperor Franz Joseph. It's a recipe for sure-fire fun. Bing plays Virgil Smith, an American phonograph salesman whose fox terrier companion takes a fancy to the persnickety poodle of countess Johanna Augusta (Joan Fontaine). While some may call it puppy love, it turns out that romance is not just going to the dogs. Virgil's openness and congeniality start to melt the icy coolness of the Viennese royal, who struggles with whether or not to dare defy convention in her tradition-oriented homeland. The lush scenery provides a gorgeous backdrop for the wooing and canoeing that take place in the land of blue rivers and Strauss waltzes. Add an element of good old American humor and Bing's smooth sounds, and The Emperor Waltz is a delightfully entertaining trip to the musical wonders of old Vienna, Hollywood-style. Music, merriment, and romance blend blissfully while Bing sings "Friendly Mountains" and "I Kiss Your Hand, Madam," and Strauss melodies fill the air. This film is a real treat for fans of all ages.