Amazon.com video review:
Mark Twain's wit was oft demonstrated in his short stories and novels,
and A
Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court certainly qualifies as one of
his most popular. The tale's so well-liked that various
renditions--including a musical comedy, an animated Bugs Bunny version, and two
kid pics--have been turned into films and telefilms (many of which
should be considered "inspired by" instead of straight
translations). This Disney film takes the basics of Twain's charmer and
turns it into the story of a scientist whose twin-looking humanoid
will be the first to try out a faster-than-the-speed-of-light rocket ship.
When the humanoid becomes afraid, the scientist climbs on board to comfort
it and the ship accidentally rockets off--and into King Arthur's Camelot.
Dennis Dugan, an underrated comic actor (best remembered as Richie
Brockelman introduced on The Rockford Files), is the likable lead, as
well as his robotic alter ego. Ron Moody is a wickedly creepy Merlin,
Kenneth More is an elegant, if older, King Arthur, and English actress Sheila
White (Oliver!) is a sweet Alisande. Despite its 1979 production
date, the film has a surprisingly timeless look. Certainly, the low-budget
technology can't compare to today's CGI miracles, but this film is more
about ingenuity and resourcefulness, and it gets those messages across well.
--N.F. Mendoza
