The Court Jester1956
The Court Jester (1956)
TOMATOMETER
AUDIENCE SCORE
Critic Consensus: A witty spoof of medieval swashbuckler movies, The Court Jester showcases Danny Kaye at his nimble, tongue-twisting best.
The Court Jester Photos
Movie Info
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Cast
as Hubert Hawkins
as Maid Jean
as Sir Ravenhurst
as Princess Gwendolyn
as King Roderick
as Griselda
as Sir Griswold
as Sir Locksley
as Captain of the Guard
as Fergus
as Black Fox
as Giacomo
as Sir Brockhurst
as Sir Finsdale
as Sir Pertwee
as Sir Pertwee
as Archbishop
as Novice Knight
as Friar
as Griswold Aide
as Sir Bertram
as Chamberlain
as Court Official
as King's Man
as Forestry Officer
as Black Fox's Messenger
as One of Hermine's Midgets
as One of Hermine's Midgets
as One of Hermine's Midgets
as One of Hermine's Midgets
as One of Hermine's Midgets
as One of Hermine's Midgets
as One of Hermine's Midgets
as One of Hermine's Midgets
as One of Hermine's Midgets
as One of Hermine's Midgets
as One of Hermine's Midgets
as One of Hermine's Midgets
as One of Hermine's Midgets
as One of Hermine's Midgets
as Priest/Forester/Guard
as Guard
as Soldier/Guard
as Soldier
as Hairdresser
as Pageboy
as Guard
as Knight
as Knight
as Courier/Announcer
News & Interviews for The Court Jester
Critic Reviews for The Court Jester
All Critics (25) | Top Critics (5) | Fresh (24) | Rotten (1) | DVD (1)
Costumed swashbucklers undergo a happy spoofing in The Court Jester with Danny Kaye heading the fun-poking.
In The Court Jester, Funnyman Kaye takes all the laughs he needs, but he takes them when they do not stop the show.
Some accomplished slapstick, but nothing special.
Whether it's really watchable depends on what you feel about the charmless Kaye, whose vehicle this is from start to finish.
It's good fun.
It's as much horseplay as swordplay and, altogether, a witty delight.
Audience Reviews for The Court Jester
Danny Kaye's mistaken identity comedy set on the medieval British court is nothing less than one of the funniest films of all times. Sure, it starts out slowly and with a couple of old-fashioned yet catchy musical pieces. But once things are moving and the innocent bard starts playing the court jester's role, it's a joy to watch the mix-ups, puns and jokes that come with it. That's so cleverly written and charming that you can't help but smile for 90 minutes. It also helps that Danny Kaye is simply incredibly funny, with the sped-up knighting process and poisoned goblet sequence being the outrageous highlights. The old castle and ramparts sets from the classic knight adventures of that era are oozing with nostalgia. During the hilarious showdown things get particularly wacky and hilarious. You just have to love a film where dwarfs juggle grown men on their feet and the hero's fencing skills depend on a snap of the fingers. And you know you've just watched a feel good film when even the evil king sings along to the happy ending tune. A timeless masterpiece of comedy.
Super Reviewer
[Rewatch] I film I loved as a child and this is my first viewing since and was full of Nostalgia for me. No doubt about it that Danny Kaye was a great showman and he was very entertaining throughout. Clever witty songs, along with some great comical scenes such as the Vessel with the Pestle. A feel good film.
Super Reviewer
Good old fashion fun. They jump the shark a little when the midget circus comes to the rescue, but the final sword fight is makes up for it. and Angela Lansbury used to be HOT!
Super Reviewer
The Court Jester Quotes
| Hawkins: | The pellet with the poison's in the vessel with the pestle. The chalice from the palace has the brew that is true. |