The Court Jester

Danny Kaye spoofs medieval swashbucklers in this classic musical comedy. While the infant King of England awaits his rightful place as leader of the British Empire, his rule is usurped by Roderick (Cecil Parker), an evil pretender to the throne. Brave rebel leader The Black Fox (Edward Ashley) ...more

The Court Jester deconstructs the swashbuckler genre, poking fun at the films of Errol Flynn in particular. Featuring one of Danny Kaye's best-known performances, it is a catalogue of satirical delights, highlighted by Kaye's "The Pellet with the Poison" bit. Written, directed, and produced by the team of Melvin Frank and Norman Panama, the film avoids self-parody thanks to the well-chosen supporting players, including Basil Rathbone and Angela Lansbury. Its major weakness is its romantic ...more