Review of History of the World: Part I (1981) by Darren E — 30 Jun 2009

Mel Brooks rides again, with this sketch film which does what it says on the tin. It's got some very funny segments, but the sketch format deny it any glue. The humour could have been lifted from any American comedy sketch show, (Brooks used to work on loads of them), but it is enjoyable, and it doesn't go on for too long too.

Narrated by Orson Welles, it begins with Prehistoric Man (with Sid Caesar as Chief Caveman) discovering fire and how to sing, then onto Moses (Brooks) and the Ten Commandments. Then an extended look throughout the Roman era, with stand-up philosopher Comicus (Brooks again) befriending black slave Josephus (Gregory Hines), then there's the spectacular song and dance musical, The Inquisition, set during the Spanish Inquisition.

Then, onto the French Revolution, with pee boy Jacques (Brooks), asked to double for King Louis XVI (guess who??) It's a bit like Airplane! If one gag doesn't work, don't worry, there'll be one along in a minute that will.

Sketch films don't normally work, (except if it's Monty Python), but Brooks gives this an epic treatment, nothing is sacred, and it's got a good cast including Harvey Korman, Dom DeLuise, Madeline Kahn, Cloris Leachman, Pamela Stephenson and Spike Milligan!! :D.