Narrator (voice)
Boris Karloff
Narrator (voice)
Overview
Medieval times. A juggler has little success making a living; he puts on a hair shirt and becomes an ascetic, but attracts only other ascetics. Finally, in desperation, he becomes a monk. He visits the other monks, who all glorify the Lady with their skills: cooking, painting, sculpture, etc. He tries helping them, but botches it. A festival is held for the Lady, and each of the monks offers his gift, but the juggler has nothing. Frustrated, he juggles for her, all night, alone.
Cast
Reviews
CinemaSerf
"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!
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