History of the World, Part 1

Starring: Mel Brooks, Gregory Hines, Dom DeLuise
Written by: Mel Brooks
Director: Mel Brooks
Year: 1981

Rating: * * *   Stars       +       (Fan Bonus *  )  Total: * * * *

Spoof master Mel Brooks is at it again, only now spoofing all of History. Evolution will never be the same.

Mel Brooks treats us to an anthology of short stories that span history from the dawn of man to the distant future. Each story has its own presentation. For example, we are treated to life with the early cavemen. This is narrated by none other than Orson Welles himself. Sid Caesar and Rudy De Luca are among the cavemen who come across fire, the first cave drawings, and the matrimonial ceremonies of ancient man. Next we explore ancient Rome. Rather than a narrator going over general events, this is a story focusing on Comicus, a stand-up philosopher. Things go wrong when he accidently insults Emperor Nero. Next Mel Brooks blends his love of theater with the Spanish Inquisition, where he plays famed torturer Torquemada, and the entire skit is a big production song and dance number. Finally, we go to France at the beginning of the French Revolution, where the nobles dress the local piss boy as the King, Louie XVI. If the peasants storm the gates, he'll get killed and the real King will be sped away to safety. But before the film is over, we're treated to scenes from a sequel (which was never intended to be filmed that include Hitler On Ice, a Viking Funeral, and Jews In Space.

Mel Brooks plays many roles in this film, and each chapter has its own treatment. Gregory Hines and Madeline Kahn certainly steal the show as the slave Josephus and Empress Nympho respectively. A great cast round out the film, including Dom DeLuise, Sid Caesar, Cloris Leachman, Charlie Callas, and Henny Youngman. This isn't Mel Brooks' finest work, but it does showcase his talent and sense of humor. Keep your ears open, cause this film contains a wealth of memorable lines. 

SEE THE TRAILER: History Of The World, Part 1