Mel Brooks is a comedy genius! He's done television (he started there), films, theatre and has the awards to prove it: 1 Oscar for the screenplay of "The Producers" (1968), 3 Emmys for guest appearances on "Mad About You" as Uncle Phil, 3 Tonys for "The Producers" (musical), and 3 Grammys: 1 for "The 2000 Year Old Man In The Year 2000" (1998) and 2 for "The Producers" (2001).
I have loved his movies since a young age when I say "Blazing Saddles," I didn't really understand most of the story, but still got some of the jokes. Over the years my father (who is a fan), introduced me to more. Currently, my film collection contains six of the films he directed (out of 11), far more than any other director. Brooks is also a talented actor and writer (choosing to write and appear in many of his own films, or produce them). Over the years his films became more mainstream and base in nature, going for the easy laughs (like sex) instead of the more subversive older ones. Regardless, if I knew he was directing a new film, I would see it...and I would love to see his plays on Broadway.
1. Blazing Saddles (1974)
Probably the best known of his films...for introducing fart jokes to film (I forgive him).
A satire of westerns. Corrupt officials (Harvey Korman) appoint a black sheriff (Cleavon Little) to a small racist town to drive them away.
Smart overview of western cliches and racist sentiments (the black characters are the intelligent ones).
2. Young Frankenstein (1974)
A satire of the 1930s Frankenstein films. The grandson (Gene Wilder) of the original Frankenstein is trying to get away from the family legend when he inherits his grandfather's estate. He creates his own creature (Peter Boyle) with the help of his cliched assistants.
A perfect satire of the 30s Frankenstein and the continuing Frankenstein lore (not found in the book, but I digress). Cloris Leachman almost manages to steal the show.
3. The Producers (1968)
His first film.
A washed-up Broadway producer (Zero Mostel) teams up with his accountant (Gene Wilder) in order to put on the worst play ever and make a profit. The play: Springtime for Hitler, written by a former Nazi, with a gay director, and starring a drug addled hippie.
Outstanding performances by all! And the beginning Brooks relationship with mocking Nazi Germany.
4. Silent Movie (1976)
His first starring role.
A director (Brooks) wants to make a silent film to save his studio from the evil company Engulf and Devour...even though no one else thinks a silent film is a good idea.
There is only one spoken line, from the famous mime Marcel Marceau, but it still easy to follow, and very funny!
5. To Be or Not To Be (1983)
The only film on my list that was not directed by Brooks, and the only one that co-stars his wife Anne Bancroft.
When the Nazis occupy Poland, they interfer with the Bronski theatre. As the Nazis tighten their grip, Frederick (Brooks) and Anna (Bancroft) Bronski must use every trick they know to keep their company together.
More of an ensemble piece with Brooks and Bancroft in the middle, some incredible performances...especially Charles Durning. Very different from other Brooks films.
6. High Anxiety (1977)
Hitchcock had it coming.
Mocking the basic set-up, characters, and memorable scenes from Alfred Hitchcock films...with Brooks in the lead, Madeline Kahn as the icy blonde, and Harvey Korman and Cloris Leachman deep in character.
It's o.k. but others are better! It helps to know Hitchcock films.
7. Spaceballs (1987)
May the Schwartz be with you.
Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis) and his cronies want to steal the clean air from Planet Druidia, so it's up to Lone Star (Bill Pullman) and Princess Vespa (Daphne Zuniga) of Druidia to save the day, with a little help from the master of the Schwartz, Yogurt.
Essentially it is "Star Wars" and "Star Trek" meshed...entertaining, but there are better ways to waste time.
8. Robin Hood Men in Tights (1993)
He robs from the rich and gives to the poor...Robin Hood (Cary Elwes) and his men wear tights (because "let's face it. You've gotta be a man to wear tights!") and enjoy taunting the hopeless Prince John (Richard Lewis) and the Sheriff of Rottingham (Roger Rees).
An entertaining satire of Kevin Costner's "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" with "funny" names and eccentric characters.
9. History of the World: Part I (1981)
The only Mel Brooks film I haven't reviewed (but have seen)...
Beginning with cavemen (Sid Caesar), to ancient Rome and the stand-up philosophers (Brooks), to the painting of the Last Supper, the French Revolution, and the real Inquisition (complete with singing and dancing). What a ride!
"It's good to be the king" originated in this film...and the Inquisition is entertaining, but overall I'm still waiting for Part II.
10. Dracula Dead & Loving It (1995)
My least favorite Brooks film...
The story of Dracula (Leslie Nielsen) complete with bat poop, lots of blood (courtesy of Brooks as Van Helsing), and Dracula's assistant eating insects. Oh yes, and enemas.
Harvey Korman is the only reason I watch this film...it is definitely the bottom of the barrel. Perhaps it is because I haven't read the novel or seen any version of the film, but I think his Robin Hood is only so-so and I get most of those jokes....
The musical version of "The Producers" was amazing (I have the new musical version of the movie), and now "Young Frankenstein" has undergone the musical treatment...I look forward to seeing it (or hearing the soundtrack). Now I'm off to sing "I want to be a producer" at the top of my lungs while I help my brother fix his dirt bike!
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