Mel Brooks’ Oscar-nominated horror spoof, the follow-up to ‘Blazing Saddles’ and the highest grossing black-and-white film of all time. Gene Wilder plays Frederick Frankenstein, a teacher who inherits his grandfather’s Transylvanian estate; Marty Feldman plays Igor, his hunchback assistant; and Peter Boyle, the tap-dancing monster he brings to life in his laboratory.
Starring: Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn, Marty Feldman, Peter Boyle, Cloris Leachman
Directed by: Mel Brooks
Runtime: 102 minutes
Studio: 20th Century Fox
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Review: Young Frankenstein
Mel Brooks’ famous comedy parody of Frankenstein movies is one I’m ashamed to say I’ve never seen until now. The film traces the grandson of Victor Frankenstein, Dr Frederick Frankenstein (Gene Wilder), who is a lecturer at an American medical school and does not like anyone mentioning his crazy grandfather. Frederick has even taken to pronouncing his surname differently. Frederick learns at the outset that he has inherited the family estate in Transylvania and heads out to inspect the property leaving behind his fiance, Elizabeth (Madeline Kahn) who keeps her man at a distance.
Frederick is met by first Igor (Marty Feldman) and a beautiful assistant Inga (Teri Garr) who delivers more than one sexual innuendo into the story. Frederick also has to contend with the housekeeper Frau Blucher (Cloris Leachman) whose name frightens distant horses whenever it is uttered. Despite his aversion to the family history, Frederick finds himself following in his grandfather’s footsteps when he uncovers a secret lab and intends to revive a corpse! Frederick entrusts Igor with the task of acquiring him the brain of a renowned scientist but Igor messes up and procures a brain with a warning on the jar that it shouldn’t be used. When Frederick prepares the monster (Peter Boyle) and revives it, his creation immediately escapes the laboratory and has numerous encounters with the town locals. He’s also pretty good and dancing and for one lucky lady he proves himself to be something of a stud in bed.
When I previously tried Blazing Saddles I found it to be funny but not as brilliant as I was expecting. Young Frankenstein is a different matter completely. It fully justifies its tag as a comedy masterpiece. Filmed entirely in black and white to match the old horror movies, Brooks expertly crafts a story that is hilarious but also has some moving moments as well which make it more than just a compilation of witty gags. Wilder is brilliant in the lead but is ably supported by Feldman, while Boyle makes for a great creature. There are plenty of classic scenes and quirky characters to keep you entertained from the start right up until the final confrontation.
For me, Young Frankenstein is Mel Brooks’ best film. It cleverly spoofs previous Frankenstein movies, is very funny, has a great cast, settings and a brilliant script to go with it. While I didn’t dislike Blazing Saddles, I do feel this film eclipses the classic western spoof easily.
Verdict: 4/5
(Film source: reviewer’s own copy)
About the Author:
I was born in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England and have always been a bookworm and enjoyed creative writing at school. In 1999 I created the Elencheran Chronicles and have been writing ever since. My first novel, Fezariu's Epiphany, was published in May 2011. When not writing I'm a lover of films, games, books and blogging. I now live in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, with my wife, Donna, and our six cats - Kain, Razz, Buggles, Charlie, Bilbo and Frodo.
David M. Brown – who has written 747 posts on Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave.
