A Connecticut Yankee

Folksy radio announcer Will Rogers (as Hank Martin) is mysteriously propelled from modern day Connecticut to the medieval past of Great Britain's King Arthur. In Camelot, Mr. Rogers peeves William Farnum (as Arthur) and his "Knights of the Round Table" with homilies and a cigar lighter. Imprisoned with dashing young Frank Albertson (as Clarence), Rogers learns the date is "the year of our Lord" June 20, 528 - the day before a historically recorded total eclipse of the sun. Rogers cleverly promises to "blot out the sun" if he and Mr. Albertson, who likes pretty princess Maureen O'Sullivan, are not released.

Jealous magician Brandon Hurst (as Merlin) doesn't believe Rogers will eclipse the sun, but is proved wrong. Then, Rogers is elevated in the King's court, and modernizes the medieval society. He introduces Camelot to telephones and advertising, which is defined as "to spend money you haven't got, for things you don't want." Soon, the kingdom is threatened by the King's wicked sister, Myrna Loy (as Morgan le Fay). Being an early "talkie" gives this adaptation of Mark Twain's classic an unfortunate creaky quality. Rogers, an interesting cast, and a witty incongruity make relatively enjoyable.

****** A Connecticut Yankee (4/6/31) David Butler ~ Will Rogers, William Farnum, Brandon Hurst, Myrna Loy