The Court Jester (1955)

Discretion is for fools and simpletons. From the opening credits as Danny Kaye sings dressed as a harlequin jester you get the impression that this film will be a joyous romp, and so it is. Perhaps the most talked about film in Kaye's CV (even though it lost close to two million dollars on release), The Court Jester is a perfect vehicle for his blend of madcap showboating and serene warbling. Here he gets to play both the coward and the hero in a delightful dual role that is as energetic as it is mirthful - and thankfully the supporting cast (Cecil Parker, Angela Lansbury and Basil Rathbone in particular) are clued into the nature of the film to bring about top entertaining results. Though to be fair, it would be ignorant of me to not point out that Glynis Johns' Maid Jean is under formed. A number of hilarious sequences stand out in the film, from Hubert Hawkins transformation back and forth as Giacomo, to a brilliantly funny knighting ceremony, the film ticks all the boxes for fun family entertainment. Whilst do I need to mention "the vessel with the pestle, the flagon with the dragon, and the chalice with the palace" section of film that rightly stands the time for classic status. Great songs, great routines, Kaye on form, with Rathbone as the hissable villain, what more do you need? The Court Jester, a perfect movie for all the family. 8/10