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List Price: $9.98 | | Label: Paramount
Salesrank: 828
Released: March 30, 1999 |
| Our Price: $4.46 |
| Used Price: $4.41 |
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MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
Kaye plays a court jester who becomes involved with outlaws trying to overthrow the king.
Genre: Feature Film-Comedy
Rating: NR
Release Date: 2-MAY-2006
Media Type: DVD
Description of The Court Jester:
Danny Kaye spoofs Robin Hood and Scaramouche in this inventive slapstick swashbuckler. Portraying the clownish but good-hearted entertainer Hawkins, he infiltrates the court of the corrupt Basil Rathbone (up to his usual brand of cruel villainy) disguised as the legendary king of jesters, Giacomo. After a court sorceress hypnotizes Hawkins into believing he is also a legendary assassin, Hawkins has more identities than he can keep straight, and Kaye zips back and forth between them at, literally, a snap of the fingers. Comic highlights include a wonderful sword fight with Rathbone in which he constantly switches identities, and the classic "chalice from the palace/vessel with pestle" wordplay as Hawkins plays "hide the poison" and forgets where it is. With comely Glynis Johns as his spy-in-arms love interest, Angela Lansbury as the scheming princess, and Mildred Natwick as the dotty spellcaster, this is Danny Kaye at his comic best. --Sean Axmaker
The Court Jester Reviews:
Danny Kaye at his BEST! 
2008-09-05 - I am partial to Danny Kaye, he is one of my all-time favorite actors, but it's not just partiality talking, when I say that this is one of the best comedies ever made! I LOVE IT!!! Thankfully, I was raised watching old movies, and I am making sure that all of my friend's children are made to watch this one, because it starts them on the path to appreciating classic comedy; it's definately Danny Kaye at his best!
A Timeless Classic Comedy Full of Laughs
2008-08-09 - I purchased this dvd based on the reviews and was not disappointed. This is a gem of a comedy! It has it all - jokes, physical comedy, musical comedy and is good clean fun for the whole family. One would think this role was made for Danny Kaye (and perhaps it was)because he is simply brilliant throughout the film.
Kaye plays a role similar to that of one of Robin Hood's Merry Men but he is not taken seriously by the others, including its leader, the Black Fox. In a twist of fate, Kaye is given the opportunity to prove himself when he pretends to be a famous court jester, also known in darker circles as an infamous assassin. Kaye's goal is to gain access to the castle for the Black Fox's men so that they can dispose of the illegitimate king and put in his place the rightful heir to the throne, a baby.
This task is easier said than done as he must do battle with all sorts to accomplish his mission, including the king's daughter who has an amorous eye on Kaye.
My only disappointment was the lack of English subtitles but the sound is nice and crisp.
Just Great!
2008-07-31 - This is one of the greatest and most carefree movies ever! The DVD shipped fast and plays great. My little boys even love it! The swordfight is their favorite part.
A very good laugh
2008-06-12 - One of my favorite movies. Haven't got tired of watching it again and again. Especially useful when I need a good laugh.
"Klassic Kaye"
2008-06-07 - Danny Kaye is definitely an aquired taste. People seem to run hot and cold, but if you like him, this is your kind of movie. Full of dancing , singing, and all the hair-brained antics that Kaye fans love, this movie is probably his best (although the Govermeny Inspector and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty are right up there). In additon to Kaye and the charming Glynis Johns (her first major role), we also have the injenue (?), Angela Lansbury, a delightfully dotty ("Get it? Got it? Good!") Cecil Parker, and an aged Basil Rathbone (watch him try to catch his breath during the initial court scene). The movie includes some wonderful "patter", most notably: faux languages and the famous "chalice with the palace" routine, which is worth the purchase price alone. Finally, it is filmed in the kind of vibrant color with vaguely phony backdrops seemingly only possible during its era (mid 50s). All in all a funny and nostalgic romp not to be missed!
