"Cantlebert" is a juggler whom nobody notices. He is routinely ridden over and ignored so decides that he might need to change careers. Some scissors, string and he's an ascetic - but all that gets him is the attention of a few other ascetics. Despondent, he espies a passing monk and decides that might be better. A new robe, a warm room, food - and, of course, the Virgin Mary would never shun him! He quickly discovers that each of his brothers had a skill - painting, carving, sculpting, writing, cooking. Still, poor old "Cantlebert" was determined to try and help - but he was of very little use to anyone and his newfound colleagues complained he was a nuisance. He was permitted to stay so long as he kept the place clean and lugged the groceries around. A snowy Christmas arrives and at the gift presenting, he has nothing to give - except, at night he creeps into the chapel and entertains her all night - by juggling himself to the point of exhaustion and into her heart, too! It's a simple, line-drawn animation that's nicely scored, narrated (by Boris Karloff) and one that goes some way to demonstrate that big isn't always better!
3 Reviews
Some juggler!
JohnHowardReid19 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Copyright 19 December 1957 by Terrytoons. Released through 20th Century-Fox: December 1957 (U.S.), November 1958 (U.K). 580 feet. 6 minutes.
SYNOPSIS: A juggler of medieval times has a fervent belief that the troubled world of his age will be reformed by juggling. Unable to compete with the rival attractions of war and witch-hunting, however, he eventually enters a monastery. There he finds men of diverse talents devoted to the service of God and his Blessed Mother, all of them contemptuous of the limitations of a mere juggler. When Mary's feast day comes round the monks offer their gifts; the juggler can offer nothing but his juggling, yet this is most acceptable to the Virgin, and juggling becomes respected in the monastery.
COMMENT: This gentle cartoon uses the CinemaScope screen with simple irony and a wonderful economy of line and color. The stylized figures are reminiscent of the U.P.A. drawing, but the film has its own original impetus, while the music, sound and quiet commentary spoken by Boris Karloff are all on the same high level. — Monthly Film Bulletin.
As unusual as it is commendable, this surprisingly entertaining effort from Terrytoons uses both CinemaScope and color in an economically impressionistic yet remarkably skillful fashion. An appropriately mordant commentary by the great Boris Karloff aids the tone and mood no end. I agree entirely with every word in the M.F.B.'s review which was reprinted by 20th Century-Fox in the movie's Press Sheet circulated to both movie critics and exhibitors.
SYNOPSIS: A juggler of medieval times has a fervent belief that the troubled world of his age will be reformed by juggling. Unable to compete with the rival attractions of war and witch-hunting, however, he eventually enters a monastery. There he finds men of diverse talents devoted to the service of God and his Blessed Mother, all of them contemptuous of the limitations of a mere juggler. When Mary's feast day comes round the monks offer their gifts; the juggler can offer nothing but his juggling, yet this is most acceptable to the Virgin, and juggling becomes respected in the monastery.
COMMENT: This gentle cartoon uses the CinemaScope screen with simple irony and a wonderful economy of line and color. The stylized figures are reminiscent of the U.P.A. drawing, but the film has its own original impetus, while the music, sound and quiet commentary spoken by Boris Karloff are all on the same high level. — Monthly Film Bulletin.
As unusual as it is commendable, this surprisingly entertaining effort from Terrytoons uses both CinemaScope and color in an economically impressionistic yet remarkably skillful fashion. An appropriately mordant commentary by the great Boris Karloff aids the tone and mood no end. I agree entirely with every word in the M.F.B.'s review which was reprinted by 20th Century-Fox in the movie's Press Sheet circulated to both movie critics and exhibitors.
Everyone Does What He Can
boblipton30 September 2023
It's the Gene Deitch era of Terrytoons, and Deitch encouraged people to do what they could with very small budgets, all that was available. This story about a medieval juggler is based on a story by Anatole France, and had been converted into a children's book by R. O. Blechman. He was a popular cartoonist for the New York, but that was a far piece from the animation world. So we have here a charming story narrated by Boris Karloff in his storybook voice, and despite some very minimal visual art, it was nominated for an Academy Award for best animated short.
I can understand why, but alas, it is what people generally mean when they speak slightingly of animated radio. It is very charming animated radio, but little more.
I can understand why, but alas, it is what people generally mean when they speak slightingly of animated radio. It is very charming animated radio, but little more.
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