I have never read the Mark Twain story of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, but the 1949 musical was recommended to me by my television. 🤷‍♀️ The combination of King Arthur‘s court and Bing Crosby was too tempting to deny.

Poor Hank, a black smith/ auto mechanic is trying to learn how to fix a car with his audience of children. They sing about stubbing your toe on the moon being a sign of progress.

Hank has to rush to do some work as a storm is coming. He gets thrown from his horse and hits his head. When he wakes up, he been transported to Britain in the year 528, King Arthur’s court. After admitting defeat to Sir Sagrimour, Hank is arrested, but demands to see the guy in charge. Before meeting King Arthur, he gets to watch Arthur’s niece, Alisande la Carteloise, sing When Is Sometime.

In the beginning, King Arthur sentences Hank to death, but he convinces the court that he’s a better sorcerer than Merlin. Out of fear, they knight him Sir Boss. He uses his new found prestige and makes a point of getting to know Alisande. They profess their growing feelings for one another in the song, Once and for Always.

Unfortunately, Alisande is betrothed to Sir Lancelot, and he doesn’t take kindly to Hank stealing his girl. Lancelot challenges Hank to a duel and is turned into the laughing stock of the kingdom, because Hank doesn’t fight but disarms him with a lasso. Alisande rushes to comfort Lancelot and is set go forward with her marriage.

Hank decides to leave Camelot, since there is no reason to stay without Alisande, but he is beseeched by a poor girl whose brother is dying of the plague. He learns that outside of King Arthur’s court, the people are miserable, hurting and hate the king. Hank and Sir Sagimour head out with the king dressed as knaves to meet the people.

They are arrested and sentenced to death, but Hank discovers an eclipse is set for that day according to his Almanac. He threatens the people and convinces than that he can plot out the sun. King Arthur and Hank are released. Hank rushes to Merlin’s tower to save Alisande.

Hank is struck down but manages to shoot his attacker with the pistol he fashioned in his blacksmith shop. When he comes to, Hank is back in his own time, never to see Alisande again, or will he?

I hope you enjoyed sharing this old movie with me. Have a wonderful day.

Kristie