A Connecticut Yankee (1931)

Director:

David Butler

Writers:

William M. Conselman, Owen Davis,

Stars:

Will Rogers, William Farnum, Frank Albertson

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Will Rogers	...	Hank Martin
William Farnum	...	King Arthur / Inventor
Frank Albertson	...	Emile le Poulet / Clarence
Maureen O'Sullivan	...	Alisande / Woman in Mansion
Brandon Hurst	...	Merlin / Doctor in Mansion
Myrna Loy	...	Queen Morgan le Fay / Evil Sister in Mansion
Mitchell Harris	...	Sagramor / Butler in Mansion

Storyline

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Plot Keywords:

castle | england | eclipse | medieval times | knight | 

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Genres:

Fantasy | Comedy

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Certificate:

Unrated

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 April 1931 (USA)

Also Known As:

En yankee vid Kung Arthurs hov

Company Credits

Production Co:

Fox Film Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.20 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Although the title of the film is "A Connecticut Yankee", this was not a film version of the 1927 Rodgers and Hart musical, which was also based on the Mark Twain novel. In fact, this film was not a musical at all and did not use the Rodgers and Hart score, not even as background music. The Rodgers and Hart version was never filmed.

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Goofs

When Hank is to be burnt at the stake at "high noon", the shadows on the ground clearly indicate that the hour is between 4pm and 6pm.

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Connections

Version of Black Knight (2001)

User Reviews

Will Rogers Jostles in Mark Twain's Court

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