Review of History of the World: Part I (1981) by Sherry R — 08 Jun 2013

"Columns get your columns! Doric! Ionic! Corinthian! We have columns here!" It is rambling, aimless and scattershot, but it is still funny. Normally a movie with no structure, no plot, no defined characters and so little direction cannot work, but the genius that is Mel Brooks.

Mel Brooks does it all in this one as the writer, producer, director, and plays most of the major roles himself. It has the feel of Mel Brooks almost improvising and making up funny jokes while using a vast array of elaborate historical period sets.

In fact, it may not be a stretch for how this comedy was conceived. There are a ton of good one-liners, good physical humor, and a hilarious blend of cheery modern Hollywood/theater presentation of serious historical scenes.

Brooks carries the comedic load well, but the lack of structure does eventually take its toll. It is only 90 minutes long it seems to go on just a little too long.