Socially inept Hubert Hawkins (Danny Kaye) assumes the role of Giacomo, the "King of Jesters, Jester of Kings" to help the rightful king of England regain his thrown.
Yes, The Court Jester is deceptively simple. However, with Danny Kaye at the helm of this classic, also starring Basil Rathbone, Angela Lansbury, and Glynis Johns, the film is perfection. The film features Kaye's trademark tongue-twisting dialogue, musical numbers, and top-notch humor.
The success of this classic film is due whole in part to the exceptional Danny Kaye. He is mesmerizing onscreen. From his `vessel with the pestle has the pellet with the poison, the chalice from the palace has the brew that is true' to his tender songs, Kaye shines. Basil Rathbone is perfectly evil in a spoof of his own Sir Guy of Gisbourne (see Errol Flynn's Robin Hood). Angela Lansbury is striking as the king's daughter.
The film is a success on every level. The script is fun and witty, the casting is pitch-perfect. Visually, The Court Jester is a real treat despite the age. Costuming and choreography remain beautifully rendered. The underlying humor that's quite smart. They slapstick never ends, but the sharp eye and ear will catch the subtle jabs and spoofs.
As I see it, The Court Jester is genuine slapstick as its finest. The film is unquestionably quotable, entertaining, and undeniably, Danny Kaye's best work. Get it, got it, good.
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