I’m a laugh addict. Movies, TV, books, people (not usually at them, more like, if they make me laugh), to be honest, I’m even satisfied with smiling. I have the laugh lines to prove it. Which brings me to Mel Brooks, bad man having contributed to these aforementioned lines.
One of the worst offenders is still Young Frankenstein starring Gene Wilder (whom I wished to marry when this movie came out, now I’d go for friendship).
You’d think after all these years I’d get tired of it yet I don’t.
It’s impossible to explain how hilarious this doting spoof on Mary Shelley’s classic, Frankenstein is, but I’m chuckling even as I type.
As time marches on, 40 years later, watching this has become bittersweet with the passing of so much of its brilliant cast.
Props created by Kenneth Strickfaden for the 1931 film Frankenstein were used as most of the lab equipment in this film.
The ‘Walk This Way’ gag in the movie was the inspiration for Aerosmith’s hit, Walk This Way.
Cloris Leachman improvised a scene in which Frau Blücher (add horse whinnying here) offers “varm milk” and Ovaltine to Dr. Frankenstein/Fronkensteen.
Gene Wilder came up with the idea for YF and pitched it Brooks while filming Blazing Saddles.
Wilder and Brooks agreed the latter couldn’t actually be in the movie because Brooks’ charisma always managed to break the fourth wall whether or not he played himself. But he did provide all the sound effects. It’s good to be the movie King…
Wilder fought Brooks to keep the “Puttin’ On The Ritz” (written by Irving Berlin, made famous by Fred Astaire) bit in; thank goodness he won.
Young Frankenstein was not only filmed in black and white for effect, Brooks used unusual techniques like iris outs, wipes, fades to black, and old-fashioned opening credits.
As a gag, Marty Feldman furtively moved his character’s hump from shoulder to shoulder to see if anyone would notice so they added it to the film with lines like, “Didn’t you used to have that on the other side?”, and “What hump?”.
Gene Hackman, who played tennis with Wilder asked to be put in the film. So, not just blind luck…
Madeline Kahn, Marty Feldman, and Peter Boyle also starred in the mind-numbingly funny Yellowbeard with the astonishing Graham Chapman.
Gene Wilder always had trouble not laughing during scenes. I understand.
Now – Put…the candle…back!
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We love that movie! 🙂 My kids watched even before they understood the sexual overtones.
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I like movies that appeal on different levels. 🙂
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Love this movie!! Like, I make my son sit down and watch it with me and I totally crack up throughout the entire movie!!!
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Yes, this is definitely one of those movies. Love these movies. 🙂
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I love this movie! I haven’t seen it in forever. 🙂
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Every once in awhile I watch it again ’cause somehow I doubt it can still be that funny and it rewards me every single time. 🙂
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I love Gene Wilder – his facial expressions are classic! 🙂
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He’s still going, I think he’s 80 or so. Amazing. 🙂
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What a classic
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🙂
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YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN
What a great movie. Even after all these years I still love it!
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One of my all time favorites. It’s been awhile, but now I have to watch it again. Thanks for the reminder and the recollection. 🙂
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I like to watch some of my old favourites from time to time to see if they’re still as funny, this one holds up. 🙂
Hope you enjoy it. 🙂
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I’m sure I will. 🙂
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🙂
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So much love for this movie! Watched it far too many times when I should have been working on my thesis…Oops!
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But there’s so much to see and learn each time…at least we can keep telling ourselves that! 😉
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Thanks for adding this to our Gene Wilder party on Friday Frivolity. Puttin on the Ritz was the first thing I thought of when I heard he had passed (well, after Alzheimer’s sucks!)
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As a long time fan of Mr. Wilder I had a lot of posts in which I mention him so your party (as always) rocked!!! And yes, Alzheimers sucks, big time! Hope this week is treating you kindly, Audrey. 🙂
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