The Juggler of Our Lady

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.

"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!