⚔️Get it? Got it. Good!⚔️

On your feet, be not afraid: you're the greatest with a blade! Happy 500,000 subscribers everyone!
Get it?
Got it.
Good.

[@carolblum8402]

Danny Kaye always threw himself into whatever he did with alarming enthusiasm. I'm not surprised they opted to have his teacher fight opposite him when they could

[@gawainethefirst]

If you can claim Basil Rathbone as your teacher, we’ll then God Speed.

[@GravesRWFiA]

in his autobiography Rathbone expressed serious respect for Kaye's ability to pick up a sword and use it saying he hated sabre but kaye seemed 'annoyingly' to be a natural. what I've ready about kaye he seems to have been one of those amazing people that could just watch something once and have the basics down. the problem is the sword swinging is something that takes practice. to see rathbone at his peak watch captian blood or the adventures of robin hood that both have him matched against erol flynn

[@inspectorhound7931]

Kaye would guest "conduct" orchestras, and real conductors would be impressed/amazed at how well orchestras would perform under his baton, given that Kaye never truly learned how to conduct. His personality and presence would carry the day.

[@carolblum8402]

@@inspectorhound7931 his performance as the professor of music in Secret Life of Walter Mitty will forever be one of my favorite sketches he has done.

[@ladykoiwolfe]

@@GravesRWFiA oh my, the best swordsman in Hollywood vs the best archer. Sounds like a delight to watch.

[@charleshurst1015]

Just realized how long it's been since I've heard Jill say "Plot goeth thusly..." 😅

[@JillBearup]

It's been a minute, as the kids say. (Do the kids still say this? I don't know.)

[@charleshurst1015]

@@JillBearup If we're kids at heart and we say it... Then yes 😉

[@scottm.603]

@@JillBearup Don't ask me, I'm old as dirt and well into "Old Man Yells At Clouds" territory.

[@seriousmaran9414]

​@@JillBearup inevitably they did at one point, they change so often it is hard to keep up.

[@donnaflood2313]

@@JillBearup The teenagers in my life still say that.

[@johnathanrhoades7751]

The best line in this movie: “Sometimes tenderness and kindness can also make a man. A very rare man.”

[@Financiallyfreeauthor]

❤❤❤

[@spookyspice596]

The way she starts gently kissing her cheek, though. That scene was PEAK female gaze! 🥰

[@paulsarnik8506]

That "Brew that is true!" Exchange is CLASSIC!!!😝😀😆😅😂🤣🤣😂😅😆

[@paulsarnik8506]

And Angela was a stone Cold fox 🦊 😍 didn't even recognize her!

[@erinrising2799]

@@paulsarnik8506 you should watch Gaslight with Ingrid Bergman, Angela turned 18 while they were filming. She plays a somewhat brazen housemaid.

[@leilanifujimoto2116]

On the romance, I also love the trope reversal which was unusual in the time period: a woman being a fighter captain and the man being gentle and artistic and not a fighter. And what’s even more wholesome is that Jean loves his gentleness and appreciates his kindness, which honestly are traits that matter a lot in a partner but aren’t as often emphasized particularly in fantasy fiction

[@steviem8466]

True, but also what the feminist women of todays woke brigade want men to be...Wossies!

[@libraeotequever3pointoh95]

She was also good with stuttering while speaking a medieval variation of sign language.

[@jimgilbert9984]

They also aren't emphasized at all in real life today. Sigh.

[@Financiallyfreeauthor]

Totally agree!

[@gbsailing9436]

Oh no, not yet another woman giving Jennifer Lawrence the middle finger!!!

[@theKobus]

And a jester unemployed… is nobody’s fool!🎵

[@calebmcurby8580]

It took me till I was a teenager to appreciate this line. I love it so much

[@maureentuohy8672]

😂😂😂

[@barbarawild2478]

My favourite! And close to home as free lance classical music theatre people😂

[@mikegrossberg8624]

The Maladjusted Jester. one of Kaye's finest performances I once worked up an NPC character for D&D called The Jester. His main spell? The ATROCIUOS PUN He's met in a tavern, where he's "between jobs". He says "An unemployed jester.." and the person he's talking to says "Is nobody's fool. I've heard that one."

[@Cirkux]

My dad has been quoting "Get it? Got it. Good!" all my life, and now I finally know where he got it from.

[@irregularassassin6380]

I've tried to quote it to many people before, and they usually just say "yep" after I say "get it?" because so few people in my generation have seen this film. Makes me sad every time. :(

[@LadyRenira]

This! Yes! I'm now trying to find the movie.

[@meganofsherwood3665]

YES! MY DAD DOES THE SAME THING!

[@user-uu2cj9ct3j]

Reminds me of when I heard Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” and realized that’s where my dad had gotten “how could you have any pudding if you don’t eat your meat!” He said this all the time as a kid

[@incogneato790]

I've been saying it and not knowing till now where it came from.

[@thefrothingotter8772]

“The best swordsman in the world doesn't need to fear the second best swordsman in the world; no, the person for him to be afraid of is some ignorant antagonist who has never had a sword in his hand before” - Mark Twain

[@capoeirastronaut]

Ah but he was using his left hand - and is not left handed!

[@dianenox6755]

We constantly quote that in Kenjutsu, in swordfighting training. Fighting against my blackbelt trainer was an absolute delight. With my partner, who basically only picked up swordfighting for me... Well, he was the only one who ever tried to close in on me when my sword was right there :D (We were not using live blades. And since that particular incident, I have been even more rigid about switching to the bokken, the wooden training weapons, for any and all partner exercises.)

[@rb1691]

Yes. From "A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur's Court".

[@catriona_drummond]

I know a similiar quote from the 1834 book Peter Simple by Frederick Marryat. It's about the career of a young British navy officer in the napoleonic wars and some guy states the best way to defeat somebody as a duel is to be completely clueless as a competent opponent will have absolutely no idea what to expect. he proceeds to kill the french officer by launching himself at him immeduiately, catching his epee between his left arm and his body and running the guy through.

[@jenniferhanses]

As someone who has studied martial arts, this is very true. Especially if you're the experienced one and you're trying not to kill the other person. Someone with experience, either you know the same pattern of moves or you at least understand the phsyics of why a patter of moves exists. someone who doesn't know what they're doing is more likely to do something random and unpredictable.

[@krimhorn]

What I love about this scene is they use the fighting line in a masterful way too. When Hawkins is on the left he's his bumbling character but when he's on the right he's the greatest with the sword. With a couple of minor exceptions (running around the courtyard chamber, running to the stairwell - after he slides down he's back to the left, and at the end setting up the final bit) they only swap his position when they're about to swap his character or have already done so. It makes the readability of the fight AND the character changes so clean.

[@Kayjee17]

I've never considered this before... must rewatch to check it out! Not that I need an excuse to rewatch this wonderful movie, but it helps.

[@llareia]

Thanks for that tidbit! It's especially interesting given that they staged the final confrontation with Hawkins as himself on the right.

[@3countylaugh]

I'm so glad we finally got to this gem! Well done other 499,999 people oh and Jill too.❤

[@RecklessFables]

She definitely makes "Stuff You Like"!

[@dave_h_8742]

502K now

[@grutarg2938]

Yay for teamwork (both us and the Court Jester)

[@daelen.cclark]

Got it? Got it. Good.

[@jasonulysess3652]

Been subscribed since not so awesome channel and recommend this movie 3 times. Only when she called for recommendations though.

[@WNeal]

The "official" story was always that by the end of rehearsals Kaye was just faster than Rathbone (he was twenty years younger) and had trouble slowing down; he had practiced it at one speed and had to perform it that way. Dancers (I've been told) pick up fight choreography quickly but can sometimes struggle with changes/slip-ups on the day.

[@auldthymer]

I've heard so many versions that sounded like PR fluff: you make all of those stories into a reasonable whole. Thank you.

[@MAlanThomasII]

Dancing and martial arts both take the same skill/talent of being able to watch an instructor and truly see, understand, and memorize everything that they're doing-"everything" because a single motion often involves your whole body in some way-and then replicate it. That's actually quite hard for some people because we're used to concentrating on a few key details and our brains filling in the rest. There's a similar skill in the visual arts that involves seeing what's actually there and not letting your brain fill in what it expects.

[@markfergerson2145]

@@MAlanThomasII I've always said that people who can't draw, can't see. I like your version much better.

[@paulotoole4950]

@@MAlanThomasII Dance and Martial Arts are very close and in fact in some cases the same thing. Check out a book called the Memory Code by Dr Lynne Kelly as one of the points made in the book is that originally dancing was a teaching tool.

[@richarddaugherty8583]

That makes total sense! I never thought about it before, but Danny Kaye was a great dancer!

[@Jimvanhise]

The sword fight hypnotism bit has become so classic because of The Court Jester that it was borrowed for an episode of Xena Warrior Princess. Originally the Xena episode had a humorous end credit stating "The Court Jester was not harmed in the making of this story" but now the episode actually has a legal acknowledgement to the film at the end.

[@SJohnTrombley]

The Court Jester is a gem and it's a shame it isn't more popular.

[@Kayjee17]

It should be at least as popular as The Princess Bride is. The two movies remind me a lot of each other.

[@moeball740]

🎵 The real king is on the throne Jean is my very own And life couldn't possibly better be! 🎶

[@geraldfrost4710]

@@Kayjee17 The changing of the skill levels in Princess Bride. "Why are you grinning?" "Because I am not left-handed!" And the blade flew to his right hand...

[@ogami1972]

Kids today were robbed of UHF channels on a Saturday afternoon.

[@jackabug2475]

The Court Jester is one of the best films of the 20th century, on a pure entertainment level -- and it didn't even have to rely on humor inappropriate for kids to watch.

[@arghanothername]

It’s hard to explain how capable Danny Kaye was. In many ways he was the prototype Jackie Chan: insane physicality combined with brilliant comedic sensibility.

[@auldthymer]

...and vulnerability! He did a few dramas and he was so compelling.

[@zoeodonnell3103]

wow, totally agree... watching the fight breakdown was struck how much it's referenced in Jackie Chan's Wheels on Meals big fight scene at end

[@irregularassassin6380]

@@zoeodonnell3103 Oh cool! I've seen a few Danny Kaye films, and he was amazing in everything that he did. The "Make 'em Laugh" number from _Singin' in the Rain_ is still my favourite.

[@zoeodonnell3103]

@@irregularassassin6380 Donald O'Connor? also amazing and seems to also been a nice guy

[@penultimateh766]

He could sing and dance too. A quadruple threat.

[@jackielinde7568]

Danny Kay was a TREMENDOUS physical comedian and actor. The way he could contort his face and body as needed was masterful.

[@yadbor]

The Buster Keaton of his generation

[@ColonelFredPuntridge]

@@yadbor Yeah! I hadn't thought of that. Especially Buster Keaton in (if you haven't seen it, watch in NOW!) _Battling Butler._

[@valmarsiglia]

Danny Kaye was a mind-bogglingly talented performer all around.

[@cguyre]

I love him in White Christmas!!

[@ColonelFredPuntridge]

Laurence Olivier thought so too!

[@TSIRKLAND]

I am a HUGE Danny Kaye fan. I fell in love with his silliness in "White Christmas" as a kid. His early musicals with MGM are all brilliant. "The Inspector General" is a treasure. I didn't see "The Court Jester" until I was in college, but have loved it ever since; seen it countless times. It is, frankly, not my personal favorite Danny Kaye vehicle, but it is up there. I found it SO interesting to learn these extra tidbits about the behind the scenes of that sword fight!! At some point, someone mentioned to me how he was an olympic-level fencer in real life. At the time I heard it, I understood them to mean that Danny was that good. I later came to realize they had been talking about Basil Rathbone, which, given his film history of swashbucklers, makes much more sense. Danny is well-known for enthusiastically diving into the deep end of whichever hobby he decided to pick up, whether it was flying, or cooking Chinese cuisine, or conducting symphony orchestras without knowing how to read sheet music. (For someone who threw himself so deep into things, I find it interesting that he never got around to learning how to read music, as music played such a central role in his life and career. But he seems to have gotten along Fine for himself!). ;). [When Danny played real-life cornet player Loring "Red" Nichols in "The Five Pennies," he learned the correct fingering for his trumpet, so that when he appeared on screen playing to the recorded music of the real Nichols, Danny's fingers would be making the right moves for each of those notes. In fact, his fingering is MORE accurate than scene partner Louis Armstrong! Armstrong was an improviser; no two performances were alike. The audio recording and the video recording were two different performances for Ol' Satchmo, but for Danny, he had studied the audio, with finger choreography intently!]. But apparently fencing was NOT one of those deep-dive hobbies; it was a one-trick skill he learned for a specific film. It was his fencing partner who came in with decades of fencing experience under his belt. The sword choreography is so brilliant. As you say- going from one style to another must have been difficult for both performers (all three or possibly four, including stunt doubles); switching on a dime like that! I expect that the flailing bits were the most dangerous; chaotic, random movement is so difficult to "choreograph," and given Danny's high energy, I'm guessing he went full-tilt.

[@thork6974]

"...got along Fine..." I see what you did there. One note: Kaye's early films were for Samuel Goldwyn Productions, not MGM.

[@TSIRKLAND]

@@thork6974 Samuel Goldwyn Productions, yes indeed, I stand corrected!

[@grahamcann1761]

A young Californian who started going to school while living in England, (in the 60s) I was introduced to fencing at a young age. And stuck with it, on and off for, many (many) years. And I was a great fan of movie sword fights. So, I have a couple of observations: First, when you mention sword fights, and Zorro, and Robin Hood, I find it notable that (I think) some of their greatest fights in movies were against Basil Rathbone. In the 80s I had to opportunity to fence an Olympic Silver Medalist (it felt like they defeated me in under a second, but it was a treasured experience). And a California state champion (also defeated me quickly, but not quite so fast). However after I fought the California State Champion I talked with them about "stage-fighting" and fighting outside of a straight line, and when we tried it, and added things like a cape, a buckler, a dagger, or a second foil, they were amazed by how 'thrown off' they were by 'thinking outside of the box.' (Especially when I jumped up on a boulder (big rock) and laughed.) As always thank you so very much for the videos. I wonder if my youngest grands have seen "The Court Jester Yet?" And remember, "There’s been a change. They broke the chalice from the palace. And replaced it with a flagon with a figure of a dragon. Now the pellet with the poison's in the flagon with the dragon, the vessel with the pestle has the brew that is true! Remember that."

[@Sarafimm2]

Such a great film to see on a Saturday afternoon. All the famous dancers and singers were. Today, they're all so pigeonholed into specific categories. You don't really hear about "Triple threats" per say just s/he is a great this or good at that.

[@frankharr9466]

"Stuck" with it. Heh. :)

[@classicslover]

Oh! Oh! Oh! THAT'S what I have been doing wrong! Overthrow tyranny FIRST...THEN get the girl! And yes, that makes PERFECT sense as to why Basil needed a stunt double. Choreographing a sword fight in a production (my first opera = ) we were afforded less rehearsal time than Danny Kaye. Opening night Adrenalin, choreography is forgotten, wild power slashes and thrusts ensue. AND I started with my left hand. (Princess Bride nod) Had it been a regular cast member instead of me bearing the brunt, there would have been blood. And perhaps missing or damaged optic peepers. The next night, it being double cast, it all happened again. Therefore, harsh experience backs up your brilliant conclusions , milady. (Bows)

[@JillBearup]

Getting Stuff Done in the correct order is very important.

[@auldthymer]

@@JillBearup You remind me of when I learned about shoes and socks.

[@classicslover]

@@JillBearup Across the pond High Five.

[@Mokiefraggle]

You've reminded me of when my now-fiance and I were in university, and he (being a theatre major) was in the campus production of Romeo and Juliet. As students could get into the campus theater for free, I was basically there for every performance, including the first night that was technically the final dress rehearsal. I don't recall if it was that night or the official opening night, but during one of the duels involving Tybalt, the guys got a little too fierce, and Tybalt's sword apparently couldn't quite take the stress from a particular blow, and came apart with at least one piece flying into the (thankfully closed-off for some reason I can't recall) front rows. I think I was sitting directly behind those rows that night, and that certainly was a bit of a shock to see happen right in front of you...but they thankfully were able to run with it. That wasn't quite the most dramatic thing to happen during that show...I think it was the first proper performance, maybe the second? where they had three little old ladies get up before the end of act one and leave. The director and cast had decided to lean rather heavily on the dirty, dark humor side of the play (that stuff lots of people try to deny even exists in Shakespeare's works!), and just put those poor ladies off entirely. There was also the one time they did a considerably less racy matinee version for a bunch of middle-schoolers who apparently loved it so much they begged their parents to take them for the evening performance, only to unceremoniously be introduced to the uncensored take...oops.

[@vforwombat9915]

@@JillBearup "Getting Stuff Done in the correct order is very important." really? i always find that the best way to find something is to look in the last place i look first. because it's always in the last place i look. so i do it out of order.

[@BinaryStarProd]

I had the honor of meeting Ralph Faulkner and fencing at Falcon Studios just shortly before his death. Against the wall of the salle was a small display of Ralph's movie memorabilia containing some autographed pictures. The one that stood out to me was a production shot of Ralph and Rathbone posing side by side in full Ravenhurst make-up and costume! Between bouts, Ralph's protege' would regale us with some of Ralph's adventures. It was a wonderful time. Thanks for posting this comment on THE COURT JESTER. It has always been one of my favorite classics, forever quotable and enduring. And BTW, "Tails of Lizards, Ears of swine, chicken gizzards soaked in brine..." sounds like an interesting medieval stew recipe. 🗡

[@fepatton]

When I was a little kid, my Dad would tell us how hilarious this movie was. (He had seen it when it was new, and he credits it with lifting him out of some serious doldrums.) Then video tapes came out, my Dad brought this home, and it went from a story he told to a family favorite. Many years later, it still reduces us all to tears of laughter. Can I just say that Danny Kaye's sneer after Griselda snaps her fingers is so on-brand for him. 😂 And wait - that's Ralph Faulkner?? I heard his name so many times in college in the mid-'80s. One of my roommates (we were all on the fencing team) took fencing lessons from him.

[@Theatress09]

3:28I always felt that moment Kaye dropped the sword, was an accident but Kaye saved it with improvising reaction and recovered the sword. Studios had to be as frugal as possible with film, so it helped that the moment was hilarious and appropriate.😅

[@stargirl7646]

That does look like it might have been an accident lol!

[@catandrobbyflores]

He is so good a improv. Watch White Christmas the scene where he and Bing Crosby are doing the Sisters number. He whacked Crosby with the giant feather fan and clearly Crosby wasn't expecting it. He starts busting with laughter!

[@josephradley3160]

Errol Flynn actually commented in his autobiography that he hated doing duelling scenes with other actors as they tended to go off-script or get a little too enthusiastic. Where stuntment and doubles knew what they had to do and were less likely to hurt you.

[@robertfoley8414]

A little side note on this. Robert (Bob) Anderson, who became one of the top sword slingers in Hollywood, got his start as one of those stuntmen in the climatic battle/brawl of "The Master of Ballentre", and started his reputation by skwerering Errol in the thigh! Great start for the man that taught Aragone how to fight the Ring Wraiths on his first day of filming.

[@davehood2667]

Flynn was an conceited egotist and hated Basil Rathbone because Rathbone was so much better than he was. It was always obvious even to the common viewers how much he had to hold back to keep from mopping the floor with Flynn.

[@josephradley3160]

@@davehood2667 Flynn was so much more than just an actor.

[@davehood2667]

@@josephradley3160 Problem is he was so full of himself. Everything else he was was eclipsed by his ego.

[@josephradley3160]

@@davehood2667 him and 99% of Hollywood

[@thomassmith6232]

I can only imagine that Kaye was utterly horrified when he realized he had actually injured Rathbone.

[@louisegogel7973]

I was thinking the same thing. Does anyone know what ensued from that accident?

[@libraeotequever3pointoh95]

The show must go on.

[@gailburkett9702]

Good, fun movie. Danny Kaye and his tongue twisters, priceless. Sing, dance, acrobat, MULTI talented man. Love him.

[@danielstevenson1216]

Basil Rathbone once wrote that the sabers they used weren't his favorite weapon to fight with and after only a few weeks Danny Kaye could outfight him. This also probably led to the stand in

[@classicslover]

That was a great fun fact! Gems like this are always fun and enhance understanding and enjoyment. So thank-you! Having worked in the industry, I can share that with an actor like Basil who was more than capable, they would only slip in a stuntman in specific places for his safety.

[@Diremouse42]

I had heard that one of the instructors for the amber fights for this movie said that Danny Kaye could easily qualify for the Olympic fencing team if acting didnt work for him.

[@dave_h_8742]

Saber's are not used it's another type of sword.

[@silverjohn6037]

In fairness Basil Rathbone was getting on in years at this point. Even Christopher Lee had to use a stunt double for some of the scene of Count Dooku fighting Yoda

[@silverjohn6037]

@@dave_h_8742 They're referring to Olympic fencing style sabers. They have a slightly heavier "blade" (basically a thin metal rod with a squarish cross section) than epee or foil and are scored differently but still basically a practice weapon.

[@kalquien]

That’s a great fight scene and reminds me of how amazing Basil was as a actor and fighter. How many duels did he have with Errol Flynn that he sold so effortlessly. Thanks Jill for the reminder! And congratulations on the 500k happy to be one of the throng!

[@jamesmaclennan4525]

It's interesting also that between Captain Blood and Robin Hood Flynn definitely gets more refined with his bladework, obviously a case of practice makes perfect. Now we need Jill to look at both of those fights, Coleman/Fairbanks in the Prisoner of Zenda, Granger/Ferrer in Scarmouche (regarded by some as the best swordfight ever put on film) and, off course, all the various incarnations of Zorro(which of course brings us back to Rathbone again)

[@adedow1333]

​@@jamesmaclennan4525 got to agree with you there! Erroll just stood there with the sword out delivering lines around the fight while Basil tapped alternate sides of his sword with a completely convincing look on his face, and the Robin Hood fight was honestly epic and I never get tired of it. Tyrone Power was delightful as well. And the beheading of candles was used all the time to display power and finesse with the blade on screen so the viewers go into the fight with a clear idea of how the players size up to one another.

[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

​@@adedow1333 If the stories about Rathbone getting frustrated with Flynn are to be believed, he may not have been acting.

[@johntabler349]

And Rathbone could have won all of them

[@MarquisdeL3]

@@jamesmaclennan4525 I watched Captain Blood after having seen Robin Hood and Captain Blood's sword fight is so disappointing after having the expectations set so high.

[@Norbert_Sattler]

It's good to see that this movie is not forgotten. I loved it as a child and I love it even more now as an adult an undisclosed number of decades later. :P It's amazing how well this almost !! 80 !! year old movie still holds up in pretty much every aspect. A true master piece of film history for me. Okay maybe I am a a bit nostalgia blinded, but even so I'm sure it's a great movie.

[@mhm8922]

I’ve got a few decades to keep undisclosed myself… 🤣😂 But rest assured that it IS a great movie!!! I’ve loved it from when I was a child too. Are you kidding me??? Danny Kaye’s a joy to watch always. Loved the vessel (with the pestle) with the pellet scene. Plus the scene with Basil Rathbone fencing with Danny would be worth the price of the ticket all by itself. Danny held his own with the master. I love the homage to the fencing scene in The Mark of Zorro.

[@nessa-parmentier]

Having taught the basics of medieval swordfighting to a fair amount of people, I definitely agree that the most frightening ones to teach are the one who are physically able to hurt you and don't know how to not hurt their adversary if they slip up.

[@mmitch071]

While serving in the 2/10th Battalion of the King's Liverpool Regiment during the first World War, Basil Rathbone was twice the British Army Fencing Champion. He definitely had some skill.

[@kurtsnyder4752]

And he taught Kaye to fence here and he was a prodigy student in that he absorbed the teaching and exceeded his teacher, got so fast and skillful that Rathbone isn't actually acting in some of the fighting shots.

[@DugganSC]

This film was a family favorite. A few years ago, I realized that the bit with the candles was probably meant as a reference to a similar scene in "The Mark of Zorro", also featuring Rathbone.

[@unkownUtopia27]

Yes and no. There was a while universe of "cutting things with swords dramatically" shticks. Sometimes it was solid things (like wooden poles, or...), sometimes a demonstration of precision (popping someone's coat button off - which is very tricky), sometimes it highlighted the sharpness of the blade (parting a silk kerchief wafted onto the blade). Both the mark of Zoro and the court jester shot out to that older tradition, and maybe directly to each other. BTW, the next level over-the-top version is to decapitate *only* the center candle. It's vaguely possible with a narrow blade and a push or draw cut, and insane amounts of practice (and an infinite candle budget...).

[@DugganSC]

@@unkownUtopia27 {waggles hand} I guess it felt like very much a direct allusion with pretty much the same beats of "chop the candle. Seemingly no effect, until the actual cut is highlighted", but I'll agree that it is a standard stunt. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4uZn52Ki8SYa8U

[@jakeo1209]

Danny Kaye was a true comedic genius. He and Peter Sellers were the best ever. I watched this movie in the early 80s when I was just starting to learn to speak English and I remember laughing historically. I didn't understand what "pellet with a poison in the vessel with the pestle" meant, but it didn't matter. Seeing those two men walking toward each other, each mumbling and trying to remember where the poison was, it was hilarious. 40 years later, I am watching this video and it still makes me laugh.

[@beckymurphy4714]

"People have limits. But you can work around those limits and still make amazing stuff." Wow. That's really well-said.

[@sass2836]

I was unprepared for the glorious surprise of The Court Jester in my subscriptions. Superb film, still hold up brilliantly. Can't wait to watch! ETA: Loved Jill's insight into stage combat regarding filming such an iconic scene, and the perils of strength + inexperience. I only knew part of the context involving Faulkner, fascinating to have a deeper insight.

[@toddzircher6168]

Yep, when I used to do the martial arts thing, the yellow belts were more dangerous to spar with. [Including myself in that back in the day. 🙂]

[@luthientinuviel3883]

I LOVE this movie holy smokes

[@Artaimus]

Basil has always been one of my favorite actors. I need to introduce my kids to more of his works.

[@BillPeschel]

He played an excellent villain in an early Agatha Christie movie "Love from a Stranger" (1937).

[@occasional-dabbler]

Basil Rathbone was so good at fencing he made so many swashbuckler heroes look good.

[@VegimorphtheMovieBoy]

Mine too. I wish he could have gotten to play a hero in a swashbuckler film. That would have been amazing!

[@Ka16Ky28]

​@@VegimorphtheMovieBoy Well he didn't play a hero but he did play a swashbuckling villain in Captain Blood (1935).

[@VegimorphtheMovieBoy]

@@Ka16Ky28 Yep. One in The Adventures of Robin Hood too

[@robertkb64]

I love that you’re covering this, my siblings (all Millennials) each quote this movie all the time - because this is essentially an old-timey Princess Bride - it doesn’t take itself seriously, but bounces between comedy and seriousness constantly (with the Basil Rathbone fight at the end basically summarizing the entire film).

[@briannahill6180]

Danny Kay and Basil Rathbone were two of my all time favorites. Kay as a comedian/hero and Rathbone as a villain/incomparable gentleman. My Dad was significantly older and so he shared these old movies with me that my peers never watched. I LOVE that you've analyzed this fight. Thank you so much.

[@Financiallyfreeauthor]

I love Rathbone as Sherlock too

[@jonrosenberg4324]

Oh yes, one of the best comedies/parodies of its type. The Court Jester is an absolute treasure.

[@englandcalling9721]

Three cheers for Basil Rathbone, who was a mere 63, when he made this film. Forsooth, I privet, many congratulations on reaching half a million subscribers.

[@stargirl7646]

Oh wow! I was wondering why she said “last sword fighting scene.” I was like “he only looks 45 why was it his last??”

[@englandcalling9721]

@@stargirl7646 He continued acting for another 10 years, but the roles were less energetic! Basil's a great actor, mainly known for Sherlock Holmes, which are well worth investigating. The Hound of the Baskervilles, 1939, is wonderful.

[@k1200ltse]

Danny Kaye. Truly one of the greats. It didn't seem to matter what the plot was or the physicality he just sold it with perfect timing & grace.

[@sethheasley9538]

I love this movie so much. Danny Kaye is my favorite entertainer of any era. Good dancer, excellent singer, hilarious physicality.

[@annbrookens945]

Half a million subscribers! Congratulations, Jill!

[@Gondervolt]

I saw the movie a very long time ago, and this quote is deeply engrained in my brain: "In dem Kelch mit dem Elch ist der Wein klar und rein" Thank you, Jill, for giving this gem some love.

[@philcrawford325]

It’s a pleasure to watch a performer being good at what they do. Even if what they do isn’t my cup of tea, I can still enjoy their doing it well. Whatever Danny Kaye did is always my cup of tea. He was an astonishingly good performer, an exemplary showman, an unmatched all-rounder with a massive talent such that he could produce these performances and make them look easy.

[@youremakingprogress144]

The breakdown of both the swordfighting scene and the movie's message are both - and I do not say this lightly - masterful. You make all your points so succinctly and articulately, and you seem like you're having such fun doing it. This is easily one of your best pieces! You deserve every one of those 500k followers.

[@jimbrent8151]

Well said - I concur.

[@elaine_of_shalott6587]

This was one of my mom's favorite movies. It came out when she was 11 and we had great fun watching it together when I found it on DVD.

[@M0ntezuma300]

It's a classic in my family! Everyone needs to watch it.

[@Kayjee17]

We have this one, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, A Song Is Born, and Hans Christian Anderson on DVD - Danny Kaye is a big favorite in my family.

[@lethargogpeterson4083]

My father and I loved it. I believe we saw it on the Disney channel on cable in the 1980's.

[@daddyuniverse7872]

It is amazing how entertaining Jill is, even when just doing silly movie quotes.

[@JohahnDiechter]

Rathbone was a phenom. He is my favorite Sherlock and my favorite Sir Guy.

[@Jaxom35x]

I have watched and loved every Danny Kaye movie. That man was the single best comedian/actor/dancer/singer combination there ever was or ever will be.

[@Brigand231]

One of the greatest movies. Danny Kaye is underrated in modern times.

[@hexistenz]

As soon as I saw the title of your video in the KZbin suggestions, I got a *gigantic smile* on my face 😃😃😃😃 I haven't seen The Court Jester in decades, yet simply watching the first few moments brought it all back. The utter joy, the perfection of their back-and-forth, the repartee, Danny Kaye's facial expressions 🥰 Everything, just everything about this movie is ... perfect! And your jokes, the way you not only bring so much interesting information, but the way you phrase it, your little pauses, your mimicry, the obvious fun you're having doing it, it's just fun! And congratulations on reaching 500.000 subs, wow!!! We all see how much work goes in to making just 1 video, you deserve all your success 100%!

[@MissCaraMint]

The Court Jester is a classic.” The chalice from the palace” but is iconic.

[@madnessbydesign1415]

I love Danny Kaye. I saw this movie once in my youth, and I still remember the vessel with the pestle, the chalice with the palace, and the flagon with the dragon. Classic. His ability to rattle off a page of dialog at lightning speed, and still keep every word clear was amazing. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty was another classic. If you've never seen a Danny Kaye film, do yourself a favor, turn off everything else, lock the kids in the basement*, and strap in - you're in for a wild ride... *Eventually, let the kids out, and make them watch it, too. Eventually... :)

[@DamonNomad82]

You make an excellent point! I took martial arts for a couple of years in my youth, and did a fair amount of sparring. It was always the sparring partners who knew enough to be dangerous, but not enough to have good control, who would rough you up during a spar (and afterward were very apologetic about it). The complete rookies were easy to block, while the true experts would make a complete fool of you while not inflicting the slightest amount of (physical) pain.

[@laurafreeman8360]

I, too, wasn't sure if I had seen this film, but then I saw and heard enough familiar bits that I realized I had seen it, just a really long time ago. I have a great love for Golden Age Hollywood musicals, and this is one I certainly want to add to my collection. I haven't seen too many things with Danny Kaye yet, but I already know he's going to be a favorite. Oh, and the last part of the video reminded me of something. I've recently watched the special features from the extended edition of The Lord of the Rings, and in the third film they used actual soldiers from the New Zealand army for a battle sequence. The props department was apparently not too happy about this, because while the stunt performers would only pretend to hit each other, the actual soldiers actually did hit each other, which meant more weapons needing repairs.

[@jerrewilliams5555]

Thanks, Jill, for that wonderful trip back to that magic and star studdied movie. Danny's wife wrote some of his routines and the "Mal Adjusted Jester" was one of the best. The great sword fight was a real high point of the action. I still have an old copy of the movie and have shown it to kids and grandkids over the years. You have made it even better by highlighting the art and skill that make up such a timeless show.

[@Financiallyfreeauthor]

For some reason my mother believed that the actress playing Jean was his real life wife. I was so sad when I found out that wasn’t true.

[@megwilcox2878]

Danny Kaye was my first celebrity crush when I was a child in the 1960s. I absolutely loved his movies, especially this one. He could be kind and gentle, or manic and violent, and be equally charming either way.

[@TheCrazyPlayer]

Absolutely delightful. (Both the movie and this video.)❤ I heard that Danny Kaye was concerned he’d look bad in the sword fight compared to Rathbone, so he practiced the fight until he was *very* fast, and Rathbone just couldn’t keep up (not that he was slow, just that Kaye was, well, *very* fast), and that was why they had to sub in the double. (All this might be apocryphal.)

[@mattbowden4996]

I hate to say it, but this sounds like Hollywood spin to me and Jill's version of events is more plausible in reality. I recall my old fencing coach when I was at university. He was nearly seventy but even the best fencers in the club couldn't beat him with sheer speed - experience had granted him a wonderful economy of movement. However, I am fairly certain that we could have physically "overpowered" him and cut through his parries if we had no regard for the niceties of the sport - and something similar was probably what was happening here. Kaye was a lot younger and a lot more "powerful" and with the best will in the world, if he wasn't perhaps quite as safe as he needed to be it would be quite hard to stage fight with him and not get hit.

[@josephkrengel]

This movie ALWAYS puts a smile on my face.

[@JelMain]

It's not always quite so controlled. I once had a member of the American Olympic Fencing Team as the Commander of the Guard of Honour during an inspection by the now King of Sweden. The first thing the Commander does is bring the Guard to attention for inspection (Royal Salute etc), and then approches in Inspecting Officer to invite his inspection. That of course involves a sword salute, and when a top fencer does that, it's somewhat intimidating. The Prince's bodyguards reached for their shoulder holsters, then realised...

[@bordenfleetwood5773]

This was one of my favorite movies as a kid, and remains so to this day. Just an absolute masterpiece, and it was a joy to hear you break it down.

[@wolfhound2000]

Same here. To me this is the best comedy movie ever. It has everything and does it all brilliantly. Great actors, characters, writing etc. The only other movie that almost made me laugh as much when I first saw it was Anchorman.

[@jpierson]

I would LOVE to see Jill look at more old movies, like classic swashbucklers. It would also be interesting to see some analyses comparing fight scenes from older movies with scenes from newer movies, ways in which fight choreography has changed or remained the same over time.

[@Kirsten_is_cursed10]

1. Be safe 2. Be convincing 3. Have fun :)

[@rmsgrey]

4. Get paid.

[@TheRealUSPSureShot]

Danny Kaye one of the greatest physical commics in the world. Always.

[@neilengel3715]

One of my favorite films of all time. Danny Kaye was brilliant

[@scottm.603]

Since we're on the Basil Rathbone train, have you ever done an analysis of the absolutely epic sword-fight between him and Tyrone Power in "The Mark of Zorro"? I caught it on TV as a wee lad, right at the start of that fight. It made me scour the TV listings (this was BEFORE streaming, ya whippersnappers) to get a chance to watch the whole movie.

[@mikecase2372]

I second this. The movie is so much fun!

[@unkownUtopia27]

I believe @scholagladiatoria did a review, from a more martial perspective.

[@leilanifujimoto2116]

Oh my gosh I love this movie!!

[@darthhodges]

What you said about Sir Basil's stunt double reminded me of a similar but opposite situation with Christopher Lee in Star Wars Attack of the Clones. While he had a lot of stage sword fighting experience he admitted it was simply his age preventing him from doing some of the things he otherwise would have readily done himself. He specifically mentioned not being able to do the footwork anymore so many of the wide shots are quite obviously a stunt double who was shorter than Lee. In addition his opponents were both much younger and new to sword fighting so having them face a stunt double was certainly safer. When asked Hayden Christianson and Ewan McGregor will readily list who broke which of their fingers and which fingers they broke of others.

[@joncarroll2040]

Lee was probably the best sword fighting actor of his time. Pretty sure that he has the record for the number of sword fights on film.

[@simongeard4824]

Yeah, I can picture McGregor being as much of a menace as his character... he comes across as the enthusiastic type who'd sometimes forget to hold back...

[@reachandler3655]

I saw this as a child and really enjoyed it, but as an adult all I could remember was a funny sword fight, in a castle. I'd given up any hope of finding it, but here it is! Thankyou Jill! Congrats on the milestone 🎉

[@MeShellyShellShell]

One of my favorite movies! “King of jesters and jester of Kings”, “A jester unemployed is nobodies fool”, “you’ll never out fox the fox”! Wish they still made movies like this!

[@elfchild9]

I remember being skeptical as a kid in the 90s that such an old film could be entertaining, but it delivered _so_ well. Now I need to go rewatch it! Also, somehow I'm not surprised that Danny Kaye would be a little too dangerous in those scenes.

[@JennyBrooksOfficial]

I am utterly delighted! I adore the Court Jester and am so happy to see you go into a little detail about it.❤️ Many thanks!!

[@bbbailey47]

Hi Jill .. did you know that the sword duel scene between Rathbone and Errol Flynn in The Adventures of Robin Hood, and other scenes as well, were used in George Lucas’s Star Wars films? They’re almost identical, including the decent of the Ewoks from ropes from trees - which was also semi-duplicated in The Court Jester? Lucas was definitely influenced by these films.

[@colinhiggs70]

I always imagined this movie was where Angela Lansbury learned how to murder people so she could wrote about it.

[@mck1632]

My face aches with joy. Thank you for your work.

[@keithmower921]

Thank you for this video. I thought that I hadn't seen The Court Jester but I remember a duel where someone switched from novice to expert by snapping fingers. Thank you for reminding me, and for your excellent narration.

[@kingwithoutakingdom]

MY GOD! My mom used to watch this with us as kids! What a blast from the past! I remember this being a riot and having so much fun watching it!

[@panicathedogpark]

I’m so happy this film is being talked about, even if only by one person in a small niche of KZbin - it’s one of my comfort movies, and it’s so brilliant and funny ❤️

[@KensanOni]

This was an unexpected surprise, and I am very happy that you decided to review this. It is perhaps one of the best comedic fights that I have seen, and it's nice having your perspective. Thank you.

[@KellyDVance]

I may or may not be forcing my smallish human (6y/o) to rewatch this with me this evening. I love this movie.

[@paavobergmann4920]

The Court Jester is one of my favourite movies of all time, absolutely brilliant! The magnetized suit of armor! The rushed ritual, that had me in stitches....so many memorable scenes.

[@thane9]

One of my favorite movies of all time! I love all the old Danny Kaye films but this one is a particular gem, right up there with Walter Mitty. Ta pocketa ta pocketa.

[@SPQRKlio]

The movie-and sword fight-that got me interested in (not-stage, competitive, and with maybe fewer hypnotic spells) fencing as a teensy kid. And snappy dialogue. What a brilliant cast. My favourite movie ever, I think. Looking forward to watching your take on it all.

[@DamonNomad82]

I LOVE this movie! I first saw it on TV when I was very young, and haven't been able to get enough of it.

[@kramermariav]

Same!

[@myhandsaslanguage]

I was delighted to open up KZbin and see that you’ve made a video on one of my favorite movies! My family watched and quoted this movie my whole life, and not many people I met outside of my family had even heard of it. To see you break it down made me immensely happy. Can’t wait to send this to my family!

[@dsinc36]

Great movie! I watched this with my mother years ago. I love the old Danny Kaye and Bob Hope movies...so good.

[@harpeowl]

Oh God this has the energy of like every medival-ish Czech movies ever made

[@spider1g5]

I love this movie is absolutely brilliant, everything about it is beautiful, quotable, and memorable!

[@Paul_G.]

Congrats on the milestone, Jill, and what a lovely video to celebrate with. It's clear from how much you smile as you discuss this sequence that it's an instant favourite for you. I have extremely fond memories of this film from my childhood, and the, "Get it?" "Got it." "Good!" lines were a family joke for years. ☺ Fascinating to hear from someone who really understands the craft what was going on through the scene and the rehearsals leading up to it, and to have my recollection of Rathbone being a brilliant screen swordsman confirmed. I knew Kaye was a equally skilled as a physical performer, but not that he wasn't fully familiar with the epée, and can absolutely appreciate the concern of anyone in a staged combat with him given that!

[@RoninOfTheVerse]

This is one of my mother's favorite movies and she passed that love onto me as well. Thoroughly enjoyed this. Congrats on 500k and thanks for picking a great movie to celebrate it with!

[@warriormaiden9829]

We actually just watched The Court Jester last week! My son is the one that picked it. He's 7. So proud of him. XD

[@jediping]

I love this movie and fight so much! I especially love that Jean likes him for his softer, caring side, and that that’s established before all the shenanigans. It’s such a subversion of the usual gender roles in swashbuckling films, but it’s only a “problem” because Hawkins wants to do more himself, not because anybody is trying to force him. Happy sigh. So good!

[@megsley]

I grew up with a VHS tape of the best of Danny Kaye and I'm getting so many nostalgic vibes from this video 😂

[@johnharrel5920]

Enjoy your videos. I had the privilege to study sabre with Faulkner between 1973-1975 between. I went from a beginning fencer to leading the California State University Northridge Sabre team, then off to the Marines. Trained my son in sabre fencing and are now going starting to work with grandchildren.

[@JonHancockUK]

Danny Kaye was very, very good and sold his onscreen charm effortlessly. Unfortunately, he *knew* he was good and reportedly both worked hard and threw his weight around to ensure that nobody would upstage him. People who worked with him were often diplomatic in interviews at the time, but it was well known that he was far from liked. This, from Mark Evanier's blog, is probably my favourite quote about Kaye: 'I did a show one time with Vincent Price, who was one of the sweetest, gentlest men you could ever hope to meet. Over lunch, someone remarked how the actors who played the worst villains were always like that in real life and Mr. Price remarked, "Yes, it amuses me how many people thought I was like the monster in the Edgar Allan Poe movies and thought Danny Kaye was a nice man."'

[@another3997]

I think in general, some people work so hard to achieve something, they become very goal centred and single minded in order to get there and maintain it. They often alienate others with a different attitude. Businessmen are often considered ruthless, some academics, athletes and sports people are like that too. I think for most comedians and comedic actors, being funny is a very serious business. People like Kaye, who had a unique set of talents that made him successful, need to be in control so that their 'brand' doesn't get diluted, no matter what.

[@khathaway414]

I forgot about this movie. Thank you for reminding me about Jill.

[@neilgibbs3880]

Thanks for doing this it’s one of my favourite films. Basil Rathbone is one of my favourite actors and his sword play skills were legendary. To me he’ll always be the best Sherlock Holmes by miles.

[@dakwa1]

Danny Kay was such a great actor and comedian, singer. It was such a real loss when he died. But his movies are still classics and worth the time to watch.

[@alexius23]

For a long time I wondered why I keep returning to your channel. I finally had my long delayed epiphany. It is your cadence. Like the movie fights you monologue about you have the back & forth sound of a wonderful duel. Respect & admiration with plans to continue to follow where ever you lead us.

[@kencenjen1]

I haven't seen the Court Jester since I was a teenager, but I remember that it is an amazing movie.

[@user-qo3jh9mn1t]

I've always loved Danny Kaye and had all his movies on VHS. When my kids were young we watched them together and to this day we say, "Get it? Got it. Good." You couldn't have picked a better movie.

[@ericthompson3982]

One of my absolute favorite Danny Kaye movies, and that's *really* saying something.