A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court (1978)

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court Poster

A modern-day scientist gets teleported to Medieval England in King Arthur's Court! He has to adapt to the current times and tries to make improvements as they come.

Film Introduction
"A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" is a 1978 film directed by Eric Till. The movie is based upon the Mark Twain novel of the very same name and stars Denver Pyle, Ron Moody, and Dennis Dugan. It's an uplifting, comical adaptation of the timeless story, integrating social satire with historic drama.

Plot Overview
The motion picture begins with Hank Morgan (played by Dennis Dugan), a mechanic from Connecticut, who after receiving a blow to the head, is carried back in time to the middle ages court of King Arthur (played by Kenneth More). Hank is initially misinterpreted and is sentenced to death by Sir Sagramour (played by Ron Moody). Nevertheless, he manages to escape this fate by using his knowledge of a total solar eclipse and persuading the court that he has magical powers.

Hank's exploits in Camelot
After impressing the court, Hank rapidly rises in favor with King Arthur taking on power and influence. Having a modern-day 20th century mindset, Hank is horrified by the backward social norms, the systems of serfdom and the common superstitions that govern Camelot's society. He sets into motion a number of contemporary creations and methods. The representation of Hank producing societal upheaval and elements of modern-day civilization in the middle ages setting of Camelot uses several instances of humor and hilarity in the film.

Sub-plot: Love Interest
On the individual front, Hank falls in love with Alisande la Carteloise (played by Sheila White), likewise known as "Sandy". Initially, their distinctions due to the contrasting societies they come from develop misconceptions and disputes. However, as Hank stands firm, eventually, their love blossoms.

Climax and Conclusion
The film reaches a climax when Sir Sagramour challenges Hank to a joust after becoming envious of his position in the court. Hank, using his 20th-century understanding and innovative wit, handles to win the joust, protecting his place in the kingdom. However, the continuous developments and modifications that Hank introduced gradually backfire, culminating in a full-court rebellion led by Merlin (played by John Gielgud), who is hesitant of Hank.

In the troubled and disorderly end, Hank encourages King Arthur to eliminate the outdated chivalric code of law and develop a democratic rule. Hank is struck in the head throughout the rebellion, which transfers him back to his time. He gets up, discovering himself in Connecticut, with his experiences in Camelot appearing like a dream.

Despite being back in his time, Hank is transformed by his experience. His last act in the film is to take out a mini of King Arthur's round table symbolizing his dedication to democratic worths, which he meant to bring into his 20th-century life.

Last Thoughts
"A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" is a wonderful, comedic adaptation of Mark Twain's traditional, mixing comedy with historic drama to communicate Twain's critique of glamorized chivalry and the medieval social system. The movie successfully communicates Twain's styles using light-hearted humor, making it a pleasurable watch that likewise provokes believed around socio-political norms.

Top Cast

  • Richard Basehart (small)
    Richard Basehart
    King Arthur
  • Bill Bixby (small)
    Bill Bixby
    Narrator
  • Roscoe Lee Browne (small)
    Roscoe Lee Browne
    Merlin
  • Frederick Coffin (small)
    Frederick Coffin
    Sagramore
  • Tovah Feldshuh (small)
    Tovah Feldshuh
    Sandy
  • Dan Shor (small)
    Dan Shor
    Clarence / Sir Paragraph
  • Paul Rudd
    Hank / Sir Boss