Product Details

• Actors: Bing Crosby, Rhonda Fleming, Cedric Hardwicke, William Bendix, Murvyn Vye
• Directors: Tay Garnett
• Writers: Edmund Beloin, Mark Twain
• Producers: Robert Fellows
• Format: Color, HiFi Sound, NTSC
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Universal Studios
• VHS Release Date: March 1, 1992
• Run Time: 106 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6300186032
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #20,382 in Video (See Bestsellers in Video)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential video

A half-century later, Mark Twain's yarn still doesn't seem like an ideal vehicle for Bing Crosby, and Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke certainly wrote better songs than those offered up here. Still, this droll 1949 musical, like its star, has an easygoing charm and affability that'll win over young and old alike. Der Bingle plays Hank, who wakes up in A.D. 528, rousted by palooka-like Sir Sagramore (William Bendix).

At Camelot, not even Hank's impending doom--not to mention the temporal disconnect--can stop him from making eyes at Alisande (Rhonda Fleming). Codgerly, chronically allergic Arthur (Cedric Hardwicke) is impressed with Hank's hubris and dubs him Sir Boss. Problems arise when Hank woos Alisande to Sir Lancelot's ire, while Merlin (Murvyn Vye) has it in for virtually everyone.

A too-convenient deus ex machina and truncated finale mute the happy ending. The story and the performances are understated amid the pomp of the lavish production values (Ray Rennahan's vivid camerawork handily takes it all in), but in these days of virulently overheated storytelling (even in family films), the casual nature of the work here seems a distinct virtue. --David Kronke

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MARK TWAIN'S CLASSIC IN TECHNICOLOR, December 8, 1999

By	Scott Barkley (Carmel,California) - See all my reviews

Twain's grand fantasy is pleasing from every angle in this lavishly mounted production rich in color and songs. Crosby, at the height of his immense popularity is the Connecticut blacksmith knocked unconscious in a wild rainstrorm and sent into another world, waking up in King Arthur's Camelot.The quality of this Crosby version far outstrips previous ones with it's gorgeous color and imaginitive sets. Rhonda Fleming is stunning as the titian haired Alisande. The direction by Tay Garnett is excellent and the film was very popular among the public upon it's release in 1949. A highly recommended family film.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a great and enchanting film, May 5, 2003

By	Rosella Ann Myles (Wheeling, West Virginia United States) - See all my reviews

This film, "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, is so very romantic and charming. It is a great escape movie into a wonderful land of Camelot, that makes oyu bleieve it could really be. Rhonda Fleming and BIng Crosby are both wonderful in it and a very romantic and beautiful couple. The song "Once and for Always," is one of th elovliest an dmost heartfelt songs ever. It's a must see film for the entire family, an done never tires of watching it. Each time of viewing it is like the first time. Bing has some catchy tunes and is great as Hank the machanic. It has a charm and old fashion romance that is so often lacking in today's films.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Yankee Stay Here, August 14, 2002

By	C. A. Luster "The Rook" (Burke, VA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Amidst the current state of world affairs, which usually concern the Mideast, this is a couple hours of light entertainment. Bing Crosby provides romance, song, and humor. William Bendix in a support role adds some charm and humor as well. This film has done well over the years because of the good mix of characters and the excellent sets and costumes. It is well worth a look. I pre-ordered it on DVD to be delivered 3/4/03.