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This classic, 1955, witty musical/comedy is a "spectacular
production, which not only features the tremendous pageantry and
color of 12th century England," but also serves as a perfect
showcase for "the considerable talents" of the great comedic
actor, Danny Kaye, who is at his very best.
In the beginning of the story, Hubert Hawkins (Danny
Kaye) has joined the Black Fox's rebel band, who are taking care
of the surviving infant heir to the throne, and are trying to overthrow
the evil king, who had killed all the other royal family members,
in order to become king. Kaye and the female captain, Maid Jean,(Glynis
Johns), that he takes orders from, have fallen in love, and are
really motivated to help the rightful king back to his rightful
place quickly, so they can have a life together, sooner than 20
years.
They hatch a plan for Kaye's character takes the
place of Giacamo, the Jester (John Carradine) in order to gain access
to the castle, with the quest of getting from another unknown rebel,
Fergus, already in the castle, the key to the underground passage,
that leads to the forest, in order to gain open access to the castle
for the rebels. However, as it is with a lot of well-made plans,
things go wrong, which create clever plot twists, misunderstandings,
and humorous situations for all.
This entire professional cast works well together
as an ensemble, and had a lot fun creating a very funny movie, based
on talent, comedic timing, and old-fashioned humor, as well as a
clever script.
Basil Rathbone, as the dastardly Sir Ravenhurst,
does a fine job, and had fun playing the dastardly, sword wielding
bad guy, that he had become famous for in many old movies, such
as "Captain Blood."
It must of been hard to keep a straight face, and
stay in character, with Kaye's humorous antics blooming in the scenes.
Panama & Frank created a masterpiece, meant to bring much entertainment
to the audience, which also gives Kaye plenty of material to practice
his great comedic timing and acting skills.
Favorite scenes include: the sequence of scenes,
resulting from Kaye's run-in with the sorceress, Griselda (Mildred
Natwick), who was working for the King's daughter, Princess Gwendolyn
(Angela Lansbury), who was unhappy about the man her father had
picked for her to marry. Also, Kaye's actual performance as the
Court Jester during the King's dinner party, not only is very humorous
for the movie's audience, but also cracked up the entire cast watching
Kaye's routine.
In between singing, dancing and clowning, Kaye
also finds time for "some exciting jousting with knights, dangerous
duels with swordsmen, and rescuing maidens in distress. It is described
as a "delightful comedy for the whole family", as the
whole family will enjoy this hilarious Danny Kaye movie.
Written, Produced and Directed by Norman Panama
and Melvin Frank. Director of Photography: Ray June. Words and Music
by: Sylvia Fine and Sammy Cahn. Music conducted and scored by: Victor
Schoen.
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