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History of the World Part I [1981] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
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It's Good to Be Mel Brooks
Review date: 2007-08-05 Rating: 10 out of 10
When this film first appeared more than 20 years ago, it temporarily threatened to replace world history courses in schools, colleges, and universities. Of course, that didn't happen. Probably just as well, given the fact that screenwriter, producer, and director Mel Brooks never wrote, produced, and directed Part II and its eagerly-awaited portrayals of "Jews in Space" and "Hitler on Ice." There are historians' homes in which Brooks is still not welcome. In any event, what we have in Part I is a combination of five extended sketches: The Dawn of Man, The Stone Age, The Spanish Inquisition, The Bible, and The Future. Inevitably there are some gaps.
Brooks appears in several different roles while (in fact) portraying himself: Moses, Comicus, Torquemada, and King Lou. Other members of the Brooks Ensemble Company include Madeline Kahn (Empress Nympho), Cloris Leachman (Madame de Farge), Harvey Korman (Count de Monet), Ron Carey (Swiftus), Andreas Voutsinas (Bernaise), and Shecky Green (Marcus Vindictus). Brooks has assembled a cast of thousands. The production values are remarkably good. However, as in other Brooks films such as Blazing Saddles and High Anxiety, the quality of the humor varies from Brilliant & Inspired (e.g. King Lou professing love of "the little people" while shooting at airborn peasants who have been launched as targets: "Pull!") to Oh No (e.g. Moses reducing the number of Commandments to Ten by dropping/breaking one of three tablets while descending Mount Sinai, and, Jesus becoming confused by use of his name as an expletive). Brooks is an incurable gagster and punster. More often than not, the humor in this film works. But when it doesn't....
Several clever touches. For example, beginning the film with a parody of 2001: A Space Odyssey, with Orson Welles providing the voice-over. Also, it is fun to play the equivalent of "Where's Waldo" by trying to spot familiar actors in supporting roles such as Bea Arthur (Clerk), Charlie Callas (Soothsayer), Jack Carter (Rat Vendor), Sid Caesar (Chief Caveman), John Gavin (Marche), Ronny Graham (Oedipus), Nigel Hawthorne (Official), John Hillerman (Rich Man), Hugh Hefner (Entrepreneur), Barry Levinson (Column Salesman), Spike Milligan (Monsieur Rimbaud), Howard Morris (Court Spokesman), Jan Murray (Nothing Vendor), and Henny Youngman (Chemist). As I said, a cast of thousands...if not more.
Brooks' best films, those most effectively developed, are The Producers and Young Frankenstein, the latter being a remarkably respectful version of several earlier films. All comics are thieves. The best comics steal from the best sources. I thought about that when I saw this film again recently, wondering if Brooks' History of the World -- Part I was in any way influenced by The Story of Mankind (1957), a film based on Henrik Willem Van Loon's bestseller. For purposes of parody, The Story of Mankind would be an excellent target of opportunity. Those among its diverse cast of thousands (if not more) include Charles Coburn(Hippocrates), Ronald Colman (The Spirit of Man), Cedric Hardwicke(High Judge), Dennis Hopper(Napoleon), Hedy Lamarr(Joan of Arc), Peter Lorre(Nero), Virginia Mayo(Cleopatra), Chico Marx(Monk), Harpo Marx(Isaac Newton), Groucho Marx(Peter Minuit), Agnes Moorehead(Elizabeth I), Vincent Price (The Devil), and Cesar Romero(Spanish Envoy). Whenever a list of the Ten Most Pretentious Movies Ever Made is formulated, The Story of Mankind is frequently and deservedly given serious consideration.
Despite its several flaws, The History of the World -- Part I remains a generally entertaining, at times hilarious film. Whenever I see it again, I feel eager anticipation as I await its strongest scenes, willing to endure its weakest meanwhile. To me at least, the previews for Part II (which conclude Part I) suggest why Brooks resembles the Little Girl with The Curl: "When she's good, she's very very good but when she's bad...."
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Reviews
The pinnacle of bad taste humour
Review date: 2004-04-17 Rating: 8 out of 10
Starting at the dawn of mankind and ending with a raucous interpretation of the French Revolution, 'History of the World Part I' has all the hallmarks of a typical Mel Brooks film. Packed with deliciously bad puns (c.f. the names of the Romans), anarchic set pieces and plentiful double entendres, it's a thoroughly enjoyable history lesson. Unsurprisingly, Brooks revels in his capacity to offend: whether it be because of a wicked twist on the everyday 'taking the Lord's name in vain' utterance, or the song and dance Spanish Inquisition number (my personal favourite part of the film), it's clear strait-laced prudes aren't invited. More pity them.
Sometimes the bad puns are GENUINELY bad. And, inevitably, some historical periods work better than others. But this is one of Brooks' finest films, and deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as the likes of 'Blazing Saddles' and 'Young Frankenstein'. Compulsory viewing for anyone who likes their history sardonic, childish and very, very funny.
A HISTORY LESSON YOU'LL NEVER FORGET
Review date: 2003-08-10 Rating: 10 out of 10
Mel Brooks is a genius at the old slapstick comedy and spoofs, and this just has to be one of his finest efforts. It is a hilarious look at famous events that have happened in history, we start with the cavemen right up to jewish people in space!
It is genuinely funny, with brilliant performances from Spike Milligan and of course Mel Brooks himself.
One of Mel Brooks best comedies!
Review date: 2000-09-09 Rating: 10 out of 10
Mel Brooks at his best, with classic humour which no-one should miss.
This film starts at the begining of man and runs through to the French revolution in such a way that shows an unrivelled paradoy which only Mel Brooks and his cast can pull off.
You should watch this film if only to find out how Mosses turned the 15 commandments to 10 and the truth behind the parting of the Red Sea.
All in all a cracking night in!
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Madeline Kahn
Dom DeLuise
Gregory Hines
Mel Brooks
Harvey Korman
Creators:
Mel Brooks (Primary Contributor)
Mel Brooks (Producer)
Mel Brooks (Writer)
Gregory Hines (Primary Contributor)
Woody Omens (Cinematographer)
John C. Howard (Editor)
Alan Johnson (Producer)
Joel Chernoff (Producer)
Stuart Cornfeld (Producer)
Director(s):
Recording label: 20th Century Fox
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
EAN: 0024543371625
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Colour, DVD-Video, NTSC,
Release date: 2006-09-05
Universal product code (UPC): 024543371625
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Region code: 1
Running time: 92 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1981-06-12
Language: English (Original Language)
Language: Spanish (Published)