A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court

Year: 1949

Runtime: 106 mins

Language: English

Director: Tay Garnett

ComedyMusicRomanceFantasy

A bump on the head whisks auto mechanic Hank Martin from 1905 to Arthurian England in 528 A.D. Befriended by Sir Sagramore le Desirous, Hank leverages his modern knowledge to gain influence. He instantly falls for Alisande, the king’s niece, sparking jealousy in her betrothed Sir Lancelot, and his meddling in the kingdom’s politics brings even greater upheaval.

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Timeline & Setting – A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court (1949)

Explore the full timeline and setting of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court (1949). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Arthurian era

The tale is set in a legendary medieval Britain during the age of King Arthur, a time of knights, quests, and sorcery. Hank's arrival from the modern world disrupts this order as he introduces contemporary ideas and tools. The era weaves together spectacle, political intrigue, and magical forces through Merlin and Morgan le Fay.

Location

Camelot

Camelot is the mythical seat of King Arthur's court, a realm of knights, enchantment, and chivalric code. The story unfolds across Arthur's castle, Merlin's domain, and Pendragon's stronghold, all within a legend-filled Britain. The setting blends magical elements with feudal politics, creating a stage for a time-travel twist.

❄️ Fantasy 🏰 Medieval 🗺️ Arthurian

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:45

Main Characters – A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court (1949)

Meet the key characters of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court (1949), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Hank Martin (Bing Crosby)

An American mechanic who awakens in Camelot and asserts himself as a wizard to gain favor. He brings modern techniques and ideas—jazz, simple machines, safety pins, and firearms—into the court, provoking both awe and conflict. His pursuit of Alisande and willingness to bend rules reveal a resourceful, impulsive hero who values progress even as it unsettles the kingdom.

⚙️ Inventive 🎭 Charismatic 🧭 Unconventional

Alisande La Carteloise (Rhonda Fleming)

A beautiful noblewoman whose feelings for Hank test her duty to the realm. She is drawn to Hank's bold ideas yet remains mindful of courtly obligations. Her captivity and her later admissions of love drive the emotional core of the story, while she embodies grace under pressure.

👑 Noble 💘 Romantic

King Arthur (Cedric Hardwicke)

The legendary ruler whose open-minded leadership clashes with magical schemes from Merlin and Morgan. He rewards Hank with a blacksmith shop and a knightly title, signaling a willingness to entertain unorthodox counsel. He later joins Hank and the knights in assessing the kingdom from a broader perspective.

👑 Regal 🗡️ Noble

Merlin (Murvyn Vye)

A powerful wizard who resents Hank's influence and plots to undermine Arthur's throne. His magic and cunning make him a formidable antagonist, capable of capturing Hank and his allies. Merlin's schemes symbolize the resistance of old powers to disruptive change.

🪄 Enigmatic 🗡️ Cunning

Morgan Le Fay (Virginia Field)

An enchantress who confronts Hank with magical prowess and political ambition. Her manipulation of events and capture of Alisande heighten the kingdom's peril. She embodies the seductive danger of magic when used to seize power.

🪄 Enchanting 🌀 Scheming

Sir Lancelot (Henry Wilcoxon)

A proud knight who returns from a quest to confront Hank. He embodies traditional chivalry and honor, and Hank's modern approach challenges his authority. The rivalry tests loyalties within the court and highlights the clash between old codes and new ideas.

🛡️ Noble ⚔️ Proud

Sir Sagramore (William Bendix)

A knight who interacts with Hank, adding competitive energy to the court's dynamics. He stands as a representative of the knightly order and their steadfast adherence to tradition. His presence sharpens the contrast between medieval custom and Hank's innovative impulses.

⚔️ Knight 🧭 Competitive

Lady Penelope (Julia Faye)

A noblewoman whose presence reflects the refined courtly culture of Arthur's world. She contributes to the social tapestry of Camelot, where appearances and alliances matter as much as martial prowess. Her role underscores the elegance and politics of royal society.

👑 Noble 🎭 Courtly

Lord Pendragon's Aide (Charles Coleman)

A royal aide who supports Pendragon's decisions and helps navigate the kingdom's administration. He represents the procedural side of Arthur's governance and aids in coordinating the court's responses to Hank's disruptive influence. His loyalty keeps the political machinery functioning amid upheaval.

🎖️ Aide 🧭 Loyal

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:45

Major Themes – A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court (1949)

Explore the central themes of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court (1949), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚙️ Modernity

The film contrasts Hank's practical, modern knowledge with a rigid medieval society. His jazz, firearms, and everyday inventions clash with traditional customs, provoking both awe and resistance. The clash raises questions about progress, responsibility, and the costs of rapid change.

💘 Romance

A courtly romance unfolds between Hank and Alisande, complicated by class, duty, and Hank's sometimes reckless charm. Alisande's loyalty to her people tests their budding bond and Hank's willingness to bend rules. Their relationship anchors the story amid political intrigue and magical peril.

⚖️ Injustice

Hank's journey with Arthur exposes the injustices embedded in medieval laws and social hierarchies. Touring the kingdom in disguise, they confront peasants' hardships and the fragility of justice under a magical monarchy. The plot uses these revelations to ponder governance, mercy, and reform.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:45

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A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court Timeline

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