Review of History of the World: Part I (1981) by Kai82 — 08 Jan 2023

A fine Mel Brooks comedy movie full of humor and ideas. Like the title suggest it is a humorous take on world history. If you like Mel Brooks style of humor this movie is a no branier. The movie is episodic and each episode deals with a part of history like for example the stone age, Roman empire or France revolution.

Some parts are shorter like Moses getting the commandments or Inquisition but those are hilariously funny (the good way). Beware that this is a main criticism for others who say the movie lacks a narrative or clear vision.

I disagree here and say Mel Brooks picked the cherries out of history he sees working for a comedy. You get a lot of great humor out of the movie. Be it satire, really black humor, wort puns or critique of society and systems.

To be fair not all jokes are excellent but it works far more than it misses (and compared to modern spoof movies it is pure gold). The actors are good. Mel Brooks plays many roles himself (While also directing, writing and producing).

I really enjoyed his performance. Also really good were George Hines, Madeline Kahn, Art Metrano and a lot of side characters whose actors I don’t recognize anymore (Shame on me). For a comedy we get a cast that fully delivers.

Aside that the sets and costumes are fitting especially for a comedy. Overall I see this as an enjoyable Mel Brooks experience and give an 8/10. Again I don’t know what the critics saw and disliked as it is a Mel Brooks movie that gives you what you expected.