the court jester

the year: 1955

the genre: comedy



the cast: Danny Kaye (Hubert Hawkins); Glynis Johns (Maid Jean); Basil Rathbone (Sir Ravenhurst); Angela Lansbury (Princess Gwendolyn); Cecil Parker (King Roderick); Mildred Natwick (Griselda)



the plot: The throne of rightful king of England, the small babe with the purple pimpernel birthmark (on his royal backside), has been usurped by evil King Roderick. Only the Black Fox can restore the true king to the throne--and all he needs is the king's key to a secret tunnel. While he's trying to steal it, someone has to change the king's diapers. The task falls to Hawkins, the gentlest member of the Fox's band. The Fox's lieutenant, Maid Jean, guards Hawkins and the babe while they travel, but when they meet the King's new jester on the road, they decide to initiate a daring plan for Hawkins to replace him, become an intimate at the court, and steal the key. So, humble Hawkins becomes Giacomo: king of jesters and jester to the king. But things begin to get zany when the King's daughter falls for Giacomo, the King falls for Jean, people randomly sing what are supposed to be recognition codes, and a witch with very effective spells (and poison pellets) begins to interfere.




don’t miss: Danny Kaye’s tights. Producers of the film made him wear 'leg falsies' to improve the shape of his legs. This adds a touch of irony when Hubert Hawkins offers the princess all of him, including his legs and calves.



listen for: “I'll take one of those, one of those, ooh, a couple of those. “



did you know: that Basil Rathbone was 63 when TCJ was filmed? He was a world-class fencer and it was due to his efforts that the hilarious fencing scene was filmed without injury. He later admitted that several times he was almost skewered by Danny Kaye's sword.




extra bonus points: if you can name the famous detective Basil Rathbone played in the 30s and 40s. (Pretty good movies if you ever get a chance to watch!)

the adventures of robin hood

the year: 1939

the genre: action & adventure

the cast: Errol Flynn (Robin Hood) ; Olivia de Havilland (Maid Marian); Basil Rathbone (Sir Guy of Gisborrne); Claude Rains (Prince John)


the plot: King Richard the Lion-Heart, who left England to fight in the Crusades, has been taken captive and is being held for ransom. He has entrusted his kingdom to his brother, Prince John who, along with Sir Guy of Gisbourne and the Sheriff of Nottingham, is plotting to overthrow the throne. Sir Robin of Locksley (later Robin Hood) fights the tyranny and oppression of the Normans, and in so doing, wins the heart of the fair Maid Marion.


count: the number of arrows in Robin’s quiver when he delivers the deer to Nottingham…and then how many are in his quiver AFTER he fires 12 (!) arrows in the fight scene that follows.

don’t miss: the interplay between Much-the-Miller's-Son and Bess.

check out: the car that can be seen in the background when Will Scarlett gets off his horse to go to the aid of Much (who has just fought with Dickon Malbete).

listen for: “Ho, varlets, bring Sir Robin food! Such insolence must support a healthy appetite!”



extra bonus points: if you can name 3 other famous movies that were released in 1939.

we're no angels

the year: 1955

the genre: comedy


the cast: Humphrey Bogart (Joseph); Peter Ustinov (Jules); Aldo Ray (Albert); Leo G. Caroll (Felix Ducotel); Basil Rathbone (Andre Trochard); Joan Bennett (Amelie Doctel)


the plot: Joseph, Julius and Albert escaped prison on Devil's Island. Loitering around the port, awaiting a ship to take them away, they decide to steal some goods from a merchant. Letting him hire them to repair the roof, they get some insight into the private life of his family. Isabelle, the 18-year-old daughter, is still unmarried and longs for her old love Paul, who is back in Paris. Felix, her father, is afraid of cousin André, who owns the shop and will fire him if there are no profits reported soon. When Paul and André arrive on the island - and are far less sympathetic than the family expected – the three convicts take matters into their own hands, along with the help of Adolf, Albert’s poisonous pet snake.



count: on a good laugh when the convicts hold a “fair trial” about the fate of Cousin André. Jules is brilliant as the defense attorney.



don’t miss: the convicts’ rush to “help” Cousin André upon his arrival. I especially love the pineapple.


check out: how the dinner plates keep changing positions as the table is set for Christmas dinner.


listen for: “We came here to rob them and that's what we're gonna do - beat their heads in, gouge their eyes out, slash their throats. Soon as we wash the dishes.”