The Court Jester in 4K

The second film from Dena Enterprises, the production company founded by actor Danny Kaye ( White Christmas, 1954) and his songwriter wife, Sylvia Fine, The Court Jester is a delightful vehicle for the comedic icon to showcase his unparalleled timing, physical humor, and witty wordplay. Kaye is Hubert Hawkins, a retired carnival performer who disguises himself as a jester to help overturn an evil plot against a rightful British king. This ridiculous romp, with undeniable star Kaye at its center, is buttressed by a sincere Glynis Johns ( Mary Poppins , 1964) as Maid Jean and an arch Basil Rathbone ( Sherlock Holmes, 1939–1946) as Lord Ravenhurst. The most expensive comedy ever made at the time, primarily for its lavish sets, The Court Jester earned Kaye a Golden Globe nomination, and in 2004, the National Film Registry added the film to its list of titles considered “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”