Don't underestimate the clown.
Message:Danny Kaye was a gifted physical comedian, but he was also a well trained fencer. He's pulling a lot of exaggerated body movements, but watch his wrist and hand. His form is impeccable, and his blade work precise.
I took a year of fencing and it's not easy. I've also had a year of stage combat fight/sword training (a different discipline from true fencing), and, again, it's not easy. Hell I've been in staged duels gone wrong (I have a dueling scar in my left eyebrow - a situation that would have been very bad an inch lower), and have seen staged duels go VERY wrong (actors going to the hospital in an ambulance).
Professionally trained clowns actually have amazing physical control. What they do is freaking hard!
That Rathbone/Kaye duel is very well choreographed, indeed. Perhaps the second best comedic duel in cinema history.
This is, of course, the best.
https://youtu.be/WDlZ_SXx5gA
Yours,
IronMike
02-Jul-2022