Some of the posters seem less than gruntled because this is neither Mark Twain nor Rodgers and Hart but clearly it doesn't pretend to be either. You'll look a long time to find a greater Rodgers and Hart fan than me but Burke and Van Heusen weren't exactly chopped liver in addition to which they knew Der Bingle inside out and tailored some great songs - But Beautiful, Moonlight Becomes You, It's Always You, The Day After Forever, etc - to fit his highly personal style and here they come up with yet another fine - and unfairly neglected - ballad, Once And For Always, plus a couple of upbeat philosophy-lite entries in If You Stub Your Toe On The Moon and Busy Doing Nothing. The flimsy plot isn't meant to be taken seriously - why else make Merlin a heavy when in most, if not all, of the other versions he is more a friend/mentor to Arthur - so if you start wondering aloud why Sir Lancelot who has been sold to historians as the epitome of chivalry and uprightness metamorphoses into a schoolyard bully you're not going to get much fun out of what is essentially a fun movie. On balance it does what it sets out to do, entertain, so good luck to it.
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writers_reign20 September 2006
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oOoBarracuda2 February 2016My unintentional boycott of Bing Crosby films must end. I have no idea, being a fan of classic cinema, how this was my first experience with the actor/singer. Tay Garnett's interpretation of Mark Twain's book of the same name, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court proves that musicals can be fun, endearing, and serious, all at the same time. By the end of the movie I was feverishly searching Bing Crosby's filmography to see what other works of his I can check out!
A simple mechanic living in Connecticut in the year 1912, Hank Martin (Bing Crosby), takes a bump to the head on a stormy night, waking to find himself in 528 A.D. adapting well to his new surroundings, Hank shows his new counterparts technology and gently gives them hints about the future. He soon finds himself befriending those closest to King Arthur (Cedric Hardwicke), including most notably his favorite niece, Alisande La Carteloise (Rhonda Fleming). He quickly falls for the beautiful woman he nicknames Sandy, stepping on the toes of Sir Lancelot ( Henry Wilcoxon) whom she has been promised to. Learning that Sandy doesn't love Sir Lancelot, Hank goes about giving her glimpses of the world in which he comes from, and pushing her to only marry out of love. Trying to convince King Arthur to better learn what the lives of his subjects are like, he fashions an incognito trip for them in plain clothes. Disaster ensues when Merlin, (Murvyn Vye) sees the King's absence as a chance to overtake the thrown. If there's one thing we know about Hank though, it's that he is just resourceful enough to get out of any situation.
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court was a fun look into the novel of Mark Twain, told largely through music. Bing Crosby brought the picture to life for me, and any fans of his must see this film! I found the film well-acted and touching. The film was a great story of the everyman type that succeeds. The film looked beautiful in all of its Technicolor glory. I will definitely be checking into more Bing Crosby films! -
johannesaquila2 November 2021It is fortunate that this musical doesn't have too many songs, because they are generally quite forgettable if not outright boring.
Visually, however, this is a great Technicolor film full of interesting views and almost but not quite campy colors. I ignored the music and enjoyed the film for its visual gaiety and its take on the plot.
There are many films based on Mark Twain's novel, and a general feature is that they replace Twain's original framing in late 19th century Connecticut by a different one more suitable for film. The present film stays close to the original framing but develops it further and in a different direction:
Hank, the Connecticut Yankee, is a blacksmith like in the novel. He arrives as a tourist at Pendragon Castle rather than Warwick Castle. Unlike in the real world, Pendragon Castle is in good condition and has preserved a lot of artifacts from King Arthur's court, which of course in the novel and this film is real 6th century history rather than fictional. Hank disturbs a guided tour by knowing too much, then meets the castle's owner and tells him, rather than Mark Twain, his story.
Since Hank is played by Bing Crosby, he is smooth and polished, quite unlike the electrician Hank in the early talkie A Connecticut Yankee (1931), who was played by Will Rogers. Also, he doesn't modernize Arthurian Britain so much as he uses a few modern inventions or practices for his own advantage. As a result, this is little more than another knight and sword film, though with a few nice twists and the time travel framing.
Overall, this is a nice family film but nothing special. If they hadn't made it a musical and had cast a comic or character actor for Hank, this could easily have been a 7, perhaps even an 8. -
7the_mummy_rules731 July 2002My youngest sister and I have a tradition of watching old movies that are set in older times. "Jason and the Argonauts" was classic; she's young enough to get scared by the realistic effects of present day, so the special effects in these movies just makes her--and I--laugh. But this movie was different. It was low on the special effects, which 86ed our tradition, but we had fun watching it all the same. It was enjoyable and funny, with an easy plot to follow (which always helps when one watches a movie with a seven-year-old).
If you want my advice, watch it. You'll be entertained, even if the same idea was copied 10,000 times. -
I am a huge fan of Will Rogers' movies--and that's why I bought myself a gift set of his films for Christmas. Well, I bought them and then told my wife this would make a great gift for me! Regardless, his films were almost always wonderful. I say ALMOST because his film "A Connecticut Yankee" was an awful mess of a film. You really have to see it to believe how bad the movie is--particularly at the end. However, I can report that at least the Bing Crosby version from 1949 is much, much better. While I wouldn't consider it a great film, it is a pleasant time-passer.
The film begins with Crosby visiting a castle in 1912 and meeting with the lord of the manor. He notices that the man looks very similar to King Arthur and so he regales the guy with a story--a story of how he somehow time traveled back to the time of King Arthur. What follows is filled with a bazillion anachronisms--though considering that Arthur is an entirely fictional character, I can put up with all the silliness. During the course of the story, Crosby's character falls in love with a woman--a woman he unfortunately left behind.
This film works mostly because Bing Crosby is very pleasant in the lead. He makes less sarcastic quips than Rogers did and sings a couple tunes in his easy-going manner. Not a film to rush to see, but very nice viewing. -
neil-4767 November 200950 years old, this musical comedy fantasy might look its age, but it wears it with dignity.
This film is still great fun. Crosby was never really romantic lead material, but he delivers the material with the lightly humorous edge it needs. Bendix plays broad and is huge fun in a part which calls upon his strengths. Hardwicke - how joyous for a knight of the realm - a genuine one - to throw himself into caperings like this with such abandon. And Rhonda Fleming enjoys herself in the least showy of the main roles. Only Murvyn Vye disappoints as an unconvincing Merlin.
Though not a musical, the songs are very good, and the "dance" routine accompanying Busy Doing Nothing is perfect - funny, appropriate, dexterous without being challenging, and making a virtue out of Crosby's musical movement which, let's be fair, was inherently amusing due to its never being his greatest strength.
The colour is fine, the sound is a little muddy in places.
And the story - well, it takes some liberties with the original, but I suspect that Mr Clemens might well have been pleased with the result. -
Hitchcoc19 December 2016This book by Mark Twain is one of the most razor sharp depictions of the stupidity of people and their foibles and their willingness to participate in their own destruction. This movie is silly and ignores virtually every point Twain ever made. It's understandable. It pokes fun at religion and the blind following of dogma. Bing Crosby, a great singer,would never have agreed to be in a movie that knocks sacred cows. I see the movie as forgettable and blah entertainment and I hope that someday a producer and director will take this story and do a decent job of filming it. Don't get me wrong. Some of the more spectacular events from the book are portrayed (the total eclipse, for example), but they don't make any point.
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vincentlynch-moonoi12 December 2014There are quite a few Bing Crosby films I admire, quite a few of his songs that I enjoy. But this is among my least favorite Crosby films and the songs are hopelessly outdated (even though it's this era of music I most enjoy). In fact, that's the problem with the film overall -- for some reason it seems hopelessly outdated. And I'm not sure why. But man, is it boring.
That's not to say it doesn't have its strong points. In 1949, the year this film was produced (as was I), Bing Crosby was # 2 at the box office, beat out only by Bob Hope, but beating out such stalwarts as John Wayne, Gary Cooper, Clark Gable, Cary Grant, and Humphrey Bogart! The Technicolor here is beautiful! And enhances the beauty of the leading lady -- Rhonda Fleming. In addition to Crosby and Fleming, Sir Cedric Hardwicke has the role of King Arthur, which is a bore early on, but gets more interesting when "the boys" hit the road. William Bendix is funny as Sir Sagramore, but it gets kinda old kinda fast. The only other thing, cast-wise, to watch for, is Henry Wilcoxon as Sir Lancelot; guess he wasn't always in Biblical epics! Aside from the vagabonds hitting the road, the only other scene I enjoyed was the climax scene; those almanacs...how clever they were.
If Bing is your thing, the musicals like "White Christmas", "Holiday Inn", and "High Society" are much better, the road pictures with Bob Hope are much funnier, and "Man On Fire" (if you can find it) and "The Country Girl" are great for dramas.
But, this film is still worth a watch...once...to see beautiful Technicolor and rick sets. -
bkoganbing13 March 2004I understand that Paramount wanted to film this with the Rodgers and Hart score, but couldn't work out the copyright problems, so Burke and Van Heusen who wrote the between them the most songs for Bing Crosby contributed a very nice score.
I read Leonard Maltin saying that this movie, "fit Crosby like a glove" and I couldn't have put it better. No, it's not Mark Twain's satire, it's a Bing Crosby film and in 1949 Crosby was the most bankable star in Hollywood. For once Paramount used technicolor and Rhonda Fleming was never lovelier on the screen. This was a woman that technicolor was invented for.
William Bendix's Brooklyn origins kinda stand out, but it's to a good comic effect. The trio of Crosby, Bendix, and Sir Cedric Hardwicke have a rollicking good time with Busy Doing Nothing. Bing has one of his patented upbeat philosophical numbers with If You Stub Your Toe On The Moon.
The third song he sings Once and For Always by himself and with Rhonda Fleming. That song was nominated for best song, but lost to Baby It's Cold Outside.
Nice also that Bing managed to record the score for Decca with Rhonda Fleming and Bendix and Hardwicke.
One thing I like about this film is that it shows Crosby's comic talents without Bob Hope. I like the Road pictures, but Bing was a comic talent onto himself and this film better demonstrates than any other.
This is Crosby at the top of his game. -
Spondonman25 April 2016This was a pleasant Bing Crosby vehicle, sitting in a comfort range somewhere between Abbott & Costello Meet Captain Kidd and The Court Jester. It was a favourite family film in ye olden days of mine; to which there's no going back.
A young American blacksmith in 1912 relates his story – that he was whisked mysteriously back in time to King Arthur's Court in Camelot, England in 528, where he instantly proved a hit with the denizens and fell in love with one of them, the Good Lady Rhonda Fleming. Great Hollywood liberties were taken with Mark Twain's text of course, intentional and unintentional anachronisms abound. Especially with the flat van Heusen & Burke score – pleasant enough ballads but the only one turned timeless was Busy Doing Nothing. To me, 50% of the reason to watch the whole film now is just for that song, a wonderful 3 minutes I only wish was longer. The irony was never lost on me that Crosby, Cedric Hardwicke and William Bendix were joyously celebrating their freedom on the road whilst simultaneously looking out to verify the kingdom's human suffering and despair! Later on, another irony was that apparently the first American manufactured product on British soil was a gun Plenty of familiar faces in here to watch out for: Alan Napier as the executioner heads the list, Merlin, sorry, Murvyn Vye as a rather slapstick wizard, Richard Webb playing Sir Nelson Eddy, Joseph Vitale having stopped giggling from his previous film's laughing gas, Henry Wilcoxon never looking more like a brick toilet block, etc. Director Tay Garnett seldom put a foot of film wrong in the '30s and '40s.
I have a few problems with it – the technicolor has washed away on a few prints which can be annoying at times, the sound was never great, the acting variable and the plot veered from inspired to winceable corn, and the ending was too Zen to laugh at – but still, a pleasant entertaining film for all that. Hopefully I'll be able to revisit it again sometime soon. -
sddavis6327 December 2011I wouldn't call this an example of a great old classic, but as an adaptation of Mark Twain's story it's enjoyable enough. Bing Crosby brings a likable quality to the screen as "Sir Boss" (or Hank Martin) a Connecticut blacksmith in very early 20th century America who by some strange and unexplained phenomenon gets knocked cold after being thrown from a horse and awakens in King Arthur's England 1500 years earlier. Using marvels such as a magnifying glass and matches to start fires, he manages to convince the kingdom that he's a magnificent wizard even greater than Merlin (Murvyn Vye), which helps to save his life since he was originally going to be executed when discovered. Hank falls in love with "Sandy" (the king's niece, played by Rhonda Fleming) and has to do battle with Sir Lancelot (Henry Wilcoxon), to whom she was betrothed. Finally, Hank convinces Arthur (played by Sir Cecil Hardwicke) to disguise himself as a peasant and go out among his people to find out what they're really thinking about him and what their lives are like.
It's quite an innocent fantasy, really. There are some amusing moments, and the whole thing, of course, has quite an unbelievable air about it, as befits fantasy. Most obviously, even if one can accept the idea of travelling back 1500 years in time, one then has to figure out how a 20th century American can speak so easily to 6th century Britons, who haven't yet developed anything even close to the modern English language! But that's to think about this too much. One should simply suspend thought with this and just enjoy the fantasy.
Since the movie stars Bing Crosby, it is of course a musical adaptation of Twain's story, and that (ironically perhaps since you'd think it would be Crosby's strong suit) was to me the weakest element of the movie. I just wasn't that taken with the songs. They're weren't really memorable, and I would have simply preferred to watch the story without the musical interruptions. (5/10) -
lora648 February 2002This movie is humorous, charming, and easily becomes a favorite for those who enjoy light entertainment. Hollywood is hardly the place for serious history lessons so I simply accept it as is. Bing, in his usual inimitable style, performs quite well as the blacksmith, Hank Martin, who by accident is transported back to another age, the time of King Arthur. The beautiful Rhonda Fleming is breathtaking as Alisande, or Sandy, the object of Hank's affections although she is betrothed to the brave and formidable Sir Lancelot, played by Henry Wilcoxon.
I just love that episode when King Arthur (Cedric Hardwicke), Sir Sagramore (Wm. Bendix), and Hank (Bing Crosby) dress up in tattered clothing and take to the high road with their knapsacks to experience the kingdom at firsthand. King Arthur's comment, "I say, we are not alone" while giving his scruffy garments a good scratch, is one of those hilarious moments in the film. William Bendix's portrayal is superbly ridiculous, not to mention his attempts at quaint "ye Olde English."
The story is not deep but it's well done in my opinion and I enjoy it more each time I see it. It's great family entertainment too. -
SnoopyStyle15 August 2023Singing mechanic Hank Martin (Bing Crosby) is on a castle tour and claims to know the old inhabitants back in King Arthur's time. He was riding his horse home during a storm when he got thrown off. He woke up in Arthurian England with King Arthur (Cedric Hardwicke), Alisande la Carteloise (Rhonda Fleming), Sir Sagramore (William Bendix), Merlin (Murvyn Vye), Morgan le Fay (Virginia Field).
Bing Crosby is a light easy leading man. He's the cool straight man. He's almost too cool for school and the comedy becomes leisurely. On the other hand, his charms are undeniable and he carries this movie. His easy nature allows for smooth sailing, but not a particularly exciting trip. -
lrrap29 September 2019Wow...... Director Tay Garnett did some great films in his career (eg: "The Postman Always Rings Twice"); his 1943 "Cross of Lorraine" is thrillingly directed and paced, and improves upon every viewing. Maybe a comic/fantasy/musical like "Connecticut Yankee" was just beyond his "comfort zone."
As soon as Bing is marched into King Arthur's court by William Bendix, the tedium and leisurely pacing sets in (beginning with the pointless song/dance routine of Rhonda Fleming), with so much dead air and droopy dialogue, dumb reaction shots, and slack editing that any tension in the plot (and there's potentially PLENTY) dies.
Too bad, since the script has all the necessary characters and action sequences to make it a real delight. But despite an occasional highlight, the film plays like a competent high-school production. For instance, Bing does his best with the court dance sequence--where he instructs the players in the 1940's "swing" idiom--- but the thing takes forever to get moving; the pace could have been sped up to about one-third the length of the scene-- and THEN you would have had something clever and engaging. As it is, it's OK, but pretty flat and contrived.
Again, too bad-- since Burke and Van Heusen's songs are of top-drawer quality. "IF YOU STUB YOUR TOE ON THE MOON" is an obscure, unheralded classic-- clearly an attempt to duplicate the success of 1944's "Swingin' on a Star"; IMHO, it's every bit as good a song--- but you have to hear it in its complete version (with the "poet" 3rd verse) as Bing recorded it for Decca. Other great singers (Nat King Cole, Sinatra, Tony Martin) attempted it, but it simply was NOT their type of song; only Bing brought the sense of easy-goin', conversational, "pipe-and-slippers" philosophizing that works for this great tune--- so unique because the 3 dreamers we hear about in the lyrics (inventor, singer, poet) all FAIL-- yes, FAIL in their pursuits, and have to settle for something much more humbling. It's message is very bittersweet. (I've recently played Bing's complete studio version for several people, all of whom were delighted--and moved--- by this song).
But, I digress. The HEAD-GEAR Bing was forced to wear--once he is dubbed "Sir Boss"; Jeeeez-- it makes him look SO dork-y-- especially next to the gorgeous Ms. Fleming.
Great color, great fun to see Sir Cedric Hardwicke display his singing and dancing talents (oh, yes--- "Busy Doin' Nothing" is another excellent tune by Burke/Van Heusen), some decent scenes (Bing n' Bendix with Sir Lancelot in the blacksmith shop) but overall, a competent but listless film, a wonderful opportunity which the director missed by a very long mile.
LR
PS#1-- was there a scene cut near the beginning, I wonder? Why does William Bendix come into Bing's prison cell before his execution with a TOTALLY new, friendly attitude towards Bing? What caused his turnaround? Makes no sense, but then, maybe I'm picking where it's pointless to do so.
PS#2-- I was impressed by the brief performance of the little peasant girl (Ann Carter); she's really good. Odd that the film turns suddenly dark and "socially conscious" for a brief moment, then returns to its lighthearted goofiness, with some standard capture/escape action sequences (plus the famous execution w/ solar eclipse scene, transplanted from the early chapters of Twain's classic to this much later point in the story).
PS#3-- Fans of the Three Stooges will recognize the great character actor VERNON DENT in a brief pratfall bit as a prison yard guard (at 1:36:05) -
moonisgod22 July 2000"A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" is a film that has a little something for everyone, and that is what makes it a winner. It has the right blend of humor, action, intrigue, music, fantasy and charisma. One of the few total straight-to-finish feel good movies, "Yankee" is great for everyone in the family. And of all the films I have ever seen, this is my favorite. A pretty good recommendation, and I can't make it any stronger!
Bing Crosby plays a regular Joe who is mystically taken to the realm of Camelot. Basically he bums around and goes on adventures, bringing his 20th century wit and know-how along. He teams up with spectacular William Bendix's Sir Sagramore and falls for the beautiful Rhonda Fleming. Battles, music, evil plots and laughs ensue.
At times it seems a little too self-serving to Bing Crosby, but it's understandable and at times actually enjoyable. Bing has his run of Camelot, singing and bringing mirth to everyone. The technicolor is a little cheesy at parts, but by no means does it ruin anything. It doesn't matter what you're looking for, this movie has it; "Connecticut Yankee" is the perfect movie for when you're looking for something that takes its joviality seriously. -
JohnHowardReid24 March 2007Stylishly directed, picturesquely photographed and brilliantly acted Crosby's interpretation seems exactly right, Hardwicke has his best role ever, while Bendix is a treat too this Yankee's appeal is universal and irresistible.
One of the principal joys of the movie, of course, are the songs. As might be expected, Bing is in fine voice. And although Hardwicke's solo has been cut, we can still hear him sing heartily as he dances merrily with Crosby and Bendix in their famous novelty number, "Busy Doing Nothing". It's also a treat to hear Rhonda Fleming, who, although she enjoyed an extensive stage and concert career as a singer, was rarely given a chance to be heard in the cinema. She has a lovely voice that more than matches her ravishing looksand she looks very fetching indeed in her Mary Kay Dodson costumes.
Director Tay Garnett gets the most out of his lavish budget, using all the resources at his command to present every fabulous scene as effectively as possible. (Perhaps the eclipse looks a trifle too contrived, but who's complaining?)
In short, as the trailer actually describes, an entertainment delight from start to finish. -
treeroland18 May 2022What a wasted opportunity! A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court is my favorite Mark Twain story, and yet every version of it I can find is sillier than the last. This is a gross insult to the genius of Mark Twain. I know that no one reads books anymore, so the only way anyone these days might know of this wonderful story is through cinematic productions like this useless piece of trash. If some movie studio wants a real guaranteed hit, all they have to do is just hire some screen writers to actually read Mark Twain's original book, and bring a faithful realization of the Master's work to the screen. The story is vintage Mark Twain at the top of his game, and the cinematic potential is enormous. There is comedy, brilliant satire, adventure, pageantry, and abundant imagination enough to hit every button.
As for this poor effort, it is such a disappointment. Right off the bat, instead of the bright young page, "Clarence" (looking like a forked carrot - "Go along - you ain't more than a paragraph"), whom Hank adopts as his right-hand man, we have William Foot-in-a-paint-bucket Bendix as Sir Sagramore, and it just goes downhill from there. -
shugpug18 March 2005This movie is a great. The plot is very true to the book which is a classic written by Mark Twain. The movie starts of with a scene where Hank sings a song with a bunch of kids called "when you stub your toe on the moon" It reminds me of Sinatra's song High Hopes, it is fun and inspirational. The Music is great throughout and my favorite song is sung by the King, Hank (bing Crosby) and Sir "Saggy" Sagamore. OVerall a great family movie or even a great Date movie. This is a movie you can watch over and over again. The princess played by Rhonda Fleming is gorgeous. I love this movie!! If you liked Danny Kaye in the Court Jester then you will definitely like this movie.
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Doylenf2 April 2005Giving credit where it's due, only the technicolor, costumes and sets deserve any honorable mention.
This is undoubtedly the lowest point in BING CROSBY's long career at Paramount. The script is about as clumsy as you could possibly imagine and neither the casual Bing nor William Bendix nor Sir Cedric Hardwicke can do a thing about repairing it.
Bendix looks extremely foolish in a page boy wig. And poor Rhonda Fleming has a stock costume heroine role requiring her to look adoringly at Bing and little else except for warbling a couple of uninspired ballads in a voice probably dubbed for the occasion.
Just plain awful! Mark Twain's wit is not evident in any of the screenplay. Only die-hard Crosby fans can possibly appreciate this mess of a film given uninspired direction. Even the extras look as though they don't know what they're supposed to be doing.
Summing up: Dull as dishwater. Not recommended, even for children. -
mandajanek23 June 2004I watched this merry movie the other day and enjoyed it
immensely, even though it was about the hundreth time I'd seen it.
It's a wonderful 'family' movie, in that it isn't offensive or overlong-
it's fun. My favourite part has to be the song "busy doing nothing", sung by
the unlikely trio of Bing Crosby, Cedric Hardwicke and William
Bendix (the first and last time they ever sang together!). There are nice touches all the way through, including the 'echoes'
every time king Arthur requests something: "MORE HOT WATER! . . . more hot water. . ." Or "CLOSE THE DOOR! . . .close the door. . ."
to which Murvyn Vye's Merlin replies, "the door closeth sire." While we are on the subject of Merlin, I'm surprised that with a
voice like his he didn't appear in more of Hollywood's costumers.
I've only ever seen him in one other film, and that was 'Green Fire'
(1955). Of course, I have to mention William Bendix's portrayal of 'Saggy' or
sir Sagramore. He turns up in Bing Crosby's prison cell
shame-faced and apologetic for calling him (Crosby) a dragon and
says the following: Saggy: If only there were ought we could do. Crosby: Well, ain't there ought? Saggy: Nought. Whoever heard of a knight of the round table with a thick Brooklyn
accent?! I usually detest musicals but this, along with 'White Christmas', is
an exception. The duet between Rhonda Fleming and Bing Crosby
('Once and for always') is brilliant. It's hilarious when he says she's
pretty, to which she replies enthusiatically, "oh, thou art pretty too
sire!" and he, looking round apprehensively says, "no, say I'm cute
or something!" -
Hello again, I have to comment on this wonderful, exciting, and believable tale of romance and intrigue. The music in wonderful and memorable. Very good colorful movie. Another movie I liked as well later on was High Society with Bing Crosby. Wonderful music. Thanks for listening, Florence Forrester-Stockton, Reno, Nevada
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ccthemovieman-118 March 2007This was a "cute" movie at first, then then got too sappy and featured mediocre songs, at best.
There is too much King James English spoken with is not only annoying in today's world but not always easy to interpret. Can you imagine young people of today trying to listen to this film? Forget it.
Bing Crosby has some good lines in here and is likable as "Hank Martin." Rhonda Fleming ("Alisande La Carteloise") was, too, in addition to her good looks and beautiful, long red hair.
It's a nice movie with a feel-good ending, and I can't knock that. Maybe this is worthy of a rental, for historical sake or if you're a big Crosby fan but, overall, it's not that much. -
richard-178724 October 2012Is this a great cinematic achievement, in the sense that Citizen Kane and La Grande Illusion are great movies? No, of course not. But is this a thoroughly enjoyable movie? Most definitely! The high spots: Bing Crosby, as natural and charming as he has ever been in a movie; William Bendix, whose impeccably enunciated lines are a comic wonder - he made me believe he would have been great as one of the comical characters in A Midsummer Night's Dream; Cedric Hardwicke, who knows just how to deliver his lines to the greatest effect; and the script, which is really very funny.
The low points: 1) the script for Rhonda Fleming's role. She looks radiantly beautiful, but her dialog is worthless, and so she comes off as dumb in a movie where the three leading men come off as very clever; she deserved better. 2) the music. Van Heusen and Burke wrote some great songs, such as "Swinging on a Star" for Crosby's 1944 hit Going My Way, but there isn't a memorable number in this movie. That's probably why this otherwise very enjoyable movie is so forgotten.
You'll have a great time watching this. -
Hank (Bing Crosby) suddenly finds himself transported to the times of King Arthur (Cedric Hardwick). He is captured by Sir Sagramore (William Bendix) and brought before the king who orders his execution on the advice of Merlin (Murvyn Vye). Come the day, Hank talks himself out of his predicament and into a title - "Sir Boss". He then talks his way through the rest of the film as he battles against Merlin, Morgan (Virginia Field) and Sir Logris (Joseph Vitale) until ..... all of a sudden .... he returns back from whence he came ..... and finds a surprise waiting for him.
The film is good in the colour department. But that's it, I'm afraid. The songs are dreadful, the story is boring and the film goes on for too long. Bing is good enough as he breezes through the film. But that's just the trouble. There is never any danger or tension, whether Bing is being sentenced to death, arrested, chased - it's just endless lightweight tosh that he breezes through. It's one-gear (dull) all the way. William Bendix and Cedric Hardwicke do provide funny moments but they cannot halt the tedium.
I also spotted something familiar in the denouement. As a boy, I remember reading the Tintin adventure "Prisoners Of The Sun" which was first published in 1946. I recall being impressed by the way in which Tintin got himself out of a predicament at the moment of his execution (he knew there was to be an eclipse of the sun at a certain time). At the appropriate moment, he cunningly ordered the sun to disappear and put the fear of God into all those present. He then made it re-appear once he had negotiated his release. Well, I think someone else had read the same book. -
moonisgod21 July 2000"A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" has become my favorite movie of all time because it is a movie that has it all and works at a level where you feel relaxed and happy the whole time you're watching it. Most movies nowadays try to involve multiple elements in their plots but none of them come close to what "Connecticut Yankee" accomplishes. It has action, it has romance, it has good comedy, it has fantasy, it has intrigue, it has music and all of them weave into each other well. Extraordinarily well to the point where it becomes a joy to watch.
Of course, modern audiences might shrug off this movie as just another piece of fuddy old Bing Crosby fluff, which it is, in the sense that Bing seems to have absolute control over every situation and basically plays himself in a light-hearted movie. It's not deep, but sometimes that's not what we look for when we watch movies. This is a good "sit down with a loved one and a bowl of popcorn and just enjoy yourselves" film, one of the best in my opinion. Ok, the garish technicolor does get annoying, but it's the only downside to a great great film. Enrich your life! Please see this film!