This medieval spoof, produced, written and directed by the formidable team of Norman Panama and Melvin Frank, gave Danny Kaye one of his finest roles, as the meek and mild valet who saves a kingdom from its tyrannical ruler. It's worth watching for the classic "vessel-with-the-pestle" routine alone - one of the funniest devices Kaye ever employed. Basil Rathbone cuts an elegant figure of villainy, while Glynis Johns, Cecil Parker and Angela Lansbury get almost as many laughs as Kaye by playing it straight. It's as much horseplay as swordplay and, altogether, a witty delight.

A hapless carnival performer masquerades as the court jester as part of a plot against a usurper who has overthrown the rightful king of England.