A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court (1949)
Since A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court is one of my all-time favorite novels, I’m always a little lenient when watching a film adaptation. As long as the general theme of the story is captured, I’m happy. So, if you’re a purist, I recommend reading up on whichever version you’re planning to watch before renting it. I’ve never seen a truly faithful adaptation.
Bing Crosby stars as Hank Morgan, the time traveler who unwittingly finds himself transported back to King Arthur’s time. As a lover of the book, I think Bing is a perfect choice for Hank. In addition to his intelligence, one of Hank’s defining characteristics is his ability to persuade and convince. Bing has played countless conmen in his career, so it’s no stretch to believe he could talk the entire countryside into calling him “Sir Boss”. I’m sure Danny Kaye would have loved this part, but I prefer Bing.
This version isn’t perfect, however. William Bendix, playing Sir Sagramor, is a little different than his character was written in the book. He’s a foolish oaf, spending one entire scene playing with a gun because he doesn’t know how it works. Also, one of my favorite aspects of the novel is how Hank revolutionizes society by teaching hygiene, literacy, and other modern inventions. The movie skips over that plot point, replacing it with Bing teaching everyone how to play jazz music and dance cheek to cheek. But it’s a Bing Crosby musical; what do you want?
For those of you who haven’t read the book, I won’t spoil the ending. I will tell you that one of my favorite parts of this 1949 film version is the different ending from the novel. The ending makes the story a sweet, delightful musical, instead of a semi-drama with social commentary. So, if you’re in the mood for that, and you love Bing Crosby, and you want to see Sir Cedric Hardwicke sing and dance, you can’t go wrong with this cute little flick.
Want to watch it? Click here to watch it on ok.ru. And thanks "Juhi Thaker" for posting!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of Mark Twain's original novel here!
More Bing Crosby movies here!
Bing Crosby stars as Hank Morgan, the time traveler who unwittingly finds himself transported back to King Arthur’s time. As a lover of the book, I think Bing is a perfect choice for Hank. In addition to his intelligence, one of Hank’s defining characteristics is his ability to persuade and convince. Bing has played countless conmen in his career, so it’s no stretch to believe he could talk the entire countryside into calling him “Sir Boss”. I’m sure Danny Kaye would have loved this part, but I prefer Bing.
This version isn’t perfect, however. William Bendix, playing Sir Sagramor, is a little different than his character was written in the book. He’s a foolish oaf, spending one entire scene playing with a gun because he doesn’t know how it works. Also, one of my favorite aspects of the novel is how Hank revolutionizes society by teaching hygiene, literacy, and other modern inventions. The movie skips over that plot point, replacing it with Bing teaching everyone how to play jazz music and dance cheek to cheek. But it’s a Bing Crosby musical; what do you want?
For those of you who haven’t read the book, I won’t spoil the ending. I will tell you that one of my favorite parts of this 1949 film version is the different ending from the novel. The ending makes the story a sweet, delightful musical, instead of a semi-drama with social commentary. So, if you’re in the mood for that, and you love Bing Crosby, and you want to see Sir Cedric Hardwicke sing and dance, you can’t go wrong with this cute little flick.
Want to watch it? Click here to watch it on ok.ru. And thanks "Juhi Thaker" for posting!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of Mark Twain's original novel here!
More Bing Crosby movies here!