The draw of the short film The Court Jester is how accurately Pauly Shore impersonates fitness guru Richard Simmons, but the real story is about David, a hapless segment producer on The Ellen Show who is only noticed when he screws up. That can do things to your self-esteem. But you know, self-esteem is what Richard Simmons is all about. The story is set during a real Simmons appearance on The Ellen Show.
The short by Jake Lewis premiered in Park City, Utah, last weekend during the ongoing Sundance Film Festival, although the screening was not officially part of the festival. This happened just after Netflix announced they are doing a full-length biopic about Simmons starring Pauly Shore, which Simmons insists he did not give permission for and is not involved with. Simmons, 75, retired from public life in 2014 and wishes to remain private. He has not yet responded to The Court Jester. -via Laughing Squid