Search - The Best of Danny Kaye - The Television Years on DVD

Wonderful Reminiscenses!!

William Ritchie | Washington, DC United States | 06/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This all-too-short review of Danny Kaye's TV shows is a wonderful reminiscence of the vast, charming many talents of a
larger-than-life, marvelous all around entertainer.
Hilarious skits include scenes with Harvey Korman, a very young and fun
Harry Belafonte, Lucille Ball, and others.
The opening scene with a highly effective mirror routine,
a British Intelligence bit, and a psychiatrists'skit are some
of the highlights.
A delightful special bonus includes the famous "Vestle with the Pestle" scene in its entirety from his movie "The Court Jester", which, parenthetically, his wife, Sylvia Fine wrote. This adds a delicious touch to this thoroughly enjoyable "Best of..." video.
Highly recommended for Danny Kaye fans and an even better introduction to those who are not as familiar with him."

Random collection fade-in fade-out

fred | St.Louis MO | 02/17/2009

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Danny Kaye starred in his own musical-variety series, "The Danny Kaye Show," for four seasons (1963-67). It won him an Emmy Award in 1963. Kaye was a dancer and singer, but laughter is what he did best: impersonating and miming, changing adults into grinning children by making faces at them. He often played a disaster-prone, manic clown with good intentions, with volumes of words, accents, attitudes and poses. This DVD is a random collection of fade-in fade-out excerpts of TV skits, some in color, some in B&W. The DVD production is below average - minimal structure, no supporting material - a series of clips. The material samples DK's rapid-fire fracturing of the English language, double-takes, and his foot stomp when striking a pose (followed by clutching at his leg in mock pain with a dramatic grimace). Some excerpts show his vocal style, charm, and poise; a very little amount of footage shows how graceful a dancer he could be. Recommendations: The DVD is an interesting rental for the DK fan, but disappointing for general viewing. "White Christmas" and "The Court Jester" are much more entertaining, though in different ways. The PBS video "Live from Lincoln Center - An Evening with Danny Kaye and the NY Philharmonic" is a much better example of DK's charm as he conducts the NY Philharmonic (without music), having fun with "light classics" and playing to the audience."

Not So Funny

Felix Filibuster | Freedonia | 03/15/2008

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This can't be the best. Mostly, this is a series of mediocre sketches that go on way too long with no pay-off. Worth having, however, for the Louis Armstrong-Danny Kaye duet of "When the Saints Go Marching In" - the exact arrangement they performed in "The Five Pennies." The rest of it, however, is forgettable and hardly worth the price. Buy "The Five Pennies" instead."

Danny Kaye was always incredible

Helen D. Setterfield | Oregon, USA | 03/15/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The only reason I did not give this five stars is that the material after the duet with Louis Armstrong gets repetitious. It was not on the original videotape but was added for the DVD. However all the original selections, which is the majority of the DVD, are classic and outstanding, with guest appearances by Lucille Ball, Louis Armstrong, Harry Belafonte, Sid Caesar and others. One great moment is Danny Kaye with himself in a barely noticeable split screen doing William Tell and his father in a skit done to the William Tell Overture. Kaye was one of the few television hosts who played to show off his guests rather than himself, and as a result the material is always classic for both.

Added to the above are the two selections from The Court Jester: "the Italian Court," and "The Vessel with the Pestle." So much fun, so many memories, such an incredible talent. Many might like the last skits, because Danny Kaye is.....Danny Kaye! I really do highly recommend this DVD."