At The Movies: The Court Jester

‘The child lives.’

Each ‘At The Movies’ selection is a movie that is both enjoyable to watch, and a good starting-place to explore important topics. High school students can expand on their analytical and writing skills by answering questions, writing plot summaries and character descriptions, and pondering upon important, far-reaching themes in discussion or essay-writing assignments.

About the movie: The Court Jester

It is the height of the Middle Ages and the throne of England has been usurped by an ill-intended pretender. The real heir, a mere babe, still lives, guarded by a group of Robin Hood-type outlaws led by the Black Fox. Amidst their motley crew are Hawkins, a carnival performer who has been assigned to take care of the royal baby, and ‘The Captain’, Maid Jean, who leads the men in their military forays. When it becomes necessary for someone to enter the castle undercover, the two are thrown together with the baby in tow. Nothing goes according to plan, and while Hawkins poses as the Court Jester, Jean finds herself amidst the peasant women rounded up for the king’s entertainment. Once in the castle, complications multiply, as several of the king’s lords plot revenge, the king’s daughter develops a crush on Hawkins, a witch casts spells left and right to try to make things go her way, Hawkins misunderstands half of his instructions and an intimidating Scotsman claims the king’s daughter as his bride. Excellent swordfights, quick repartee and cunning plot twists make this a classic adventure-comedy.

Rating: G / Date of release: 1955 / Language: English / Country: U. S. A. / Purchase: Amazon, etc.

Notes:

• This movie contains no explicit content. There are several kisses, and old-fashioned action (swordplay, verbal threats).