It would be hard to argue that Young Frankenstein is Mel Brooks' finest film. While not as side-splitting as Blazing Saddles, this has enough laugh out loud gags and more subtle and visual humor to impress the audiences that have enjoyed it for the last few decades.
I would have to say that much of the credit needs to go to Gene Wilder, in both instances, for grounding the manic, throw it at the wall and see what sticks that Mel Brooks would become with his later films.
However, Young Frankenstein plays as a love letter/homage and direct spoof to the early 30s monster movies from Universal, yes, Frankenstein in particular.
Using much of the same props from the original film and shooting in glorious black and white, Brooks has created a timeless movie that is still as fresh and funny today as it was in 1974.
With Gene Wilder in the title role of the man who is desperately trying to escape his family name and crazed history... he slowly succumbs to the madness thanks to the help of his assistant Igor and the fact that...
It just might work!
I'll assume you read the previous paragraph with the appropriate introductory pronunciations of the character names. : )
If not, you now have.
And naturally, if you've never seen this film, it is just one of a half million gags that you have to see to enjoy.
If I had to recommend only one film to show people who ask "What was Mel Brooks best movie?" this would be the obvious choice.
Even Frau Blucher would agree.
:: in the dark, horses whinny! ::
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