My children saw this years ago and loved it I can't believe it took me so long to catch up with it myself! As the plot complications grow over the film's 101 minutes, it becomes ever funnier. After that, however, the film really takes off it's colorful, funny, and filled with outstanding performers and clever set pieces.
The film's first few minutes are the weakest in the movie the opening credits didn't do much for me, nor did Kaye singing "Outfox the Fox" on an unattractive set. Alan Napier and Patrick Aherne (brother of Brian) play knights. The excellent cast also includes Basil Rathbone (bringing to mind his 1938 ROBIN HOOD role as Sir Guy of Gisbourne) and Michael Pate as Sir Ravenhurst and Sir Locksley, who believe the court jester is an assassin they secretly hired Mildred Natwick as a witch whose spells constantly confuse matters and Robert Middleton as "grizzly, gruesome" Sir Griswold, who wants to marry Gwendolyn. Perhaps most problematic is that Roderick's daughter, Princess Gwendolyn (beautiful Angela Lansbury), wants to marry the court jester! Hubert and Jean find themselves entangled in all sorts of intrigue while they attempt to gain possession of the key.
Hubert Hawkins (Danny Kaye), a former carnival performer who is one of the Fox's men, replaces Giacomo (John Carradine), the king's newly hired court jester, in order to obtain the key to a secret passageway which will enable the Black Fox to overthrow the pretender to the throne. King Roderick (Cecil Parker) has usurped the throne, but an infant who is the rightful heir to the throne has been hidden away by the Black Fox (Edward Ashley) and his band of merry men.and women, including lovely Jean (Glynis Johns). THE COURT JESTER is a colorful medieval comedy which shows off the talents of a fine cast headed by Danny Kaye and Glynis Johns.
Miscellaneous Musings on Classic Films and Disney About Me Name: Laura Location: Orange County, CA, United States