Young Frankenstein

Watch Young Frankenstein

"The scariest comedy of all time!"
  • PG
  • 1974
  • 1 hr 46 min
  • 8.0  (167,981)
  • 83

Young Frankenstein is a 1974 American horror-comedy film directed by Mel Brooks and starring Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn, Marty Feldman, and Teri Garr. The movie is a parody of classic horror films, specifically the Universal Studios' 1930s Frankenstein series. The film tells the story of Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (Gene Wilder), the grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein. At the beginning of the film, Frederick is living a comfortable life as a respected professor of anatomy in New York City. However, upon receiving news of his grandfather's death, Frederick inherits the family estate and travels to Europe to settle his grandfather's affairs. In the process, he discovers that his grandfather was a mad scientist who succeeded in reanimating the dead.

Upon his arrival in Transylvania, Frederick meets the eccentric, hunchbacked Igor (Marty Feldman), who insists on using a different pronunciation of his name. The two team up, and with the help of the seductive lab assistant Inga (Teri Garr), they set out to repeat Frederick's grandfather's experiment to prove that he was not insane. Along the way, they encounter a host of odd characters, including the mysterious Frau Blucher (Cloris Leachman), the Inspector Kemp (Kenneth Mars), and Frederick's fiancée, Elizabeth (Madeline Kahn).

As they work in the laboratory, things don't go as planned, and the result is a creature (Peter Boyle) who is both monstrous and childlike. What ensues is a series of hilarious mishaps and comical interactions between the cast of characters, culminating in the film's climactic scene involving the creature and an angry mob.

Young Frankenstein is a masterpiece of comedy, blending witty dialogue, slapstick humor, and clever sight gags to create a unique and hilarious experience. The film was a critical and commercial success and is considered one of Mel Brooks' greatest works. Gene Wilder's performance as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein is particularly noteworthy, as he perfectly balances the character's intelligence and madness with comedic timing and physical humor.

Marty Feldman's portrayal of Igor is also a standout, as his deadpan delivery and unique physical features make for memorable comedic moments. Madeline Kahn shines as the spoiled, entitled Elizabeth, while Teri Garr is delightful as the sweet, innocent Inga. The supporting cast, including Cloris Leachman and Kenneth Mars, are equally hilarious in their respective roles.

The film also boasts impressive technical aspects, including elaborate sets, stylish cinematography, and a memorable musical score featuring classic songs like "Puttin' on the Ritz." The attention to detail and commitment to recreating the classic horror film look and feel is evident throughout the film, making it a must-see for horror and comedy fans alike.

Overall, Young Frankenstein is a timeless classic that showcases the talents of its talented cast and crew. It's a film that manages to pay homage to its source material while simultaneously satirizing it in a way that feels fresh and exciting. Funny, charming, and endlessly entertaining, it's a movie that deserves its place in the pantheon of great comedies.

Young Frankenstein
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Description
  • Release Date
    1974
  • MPAA Rating
    PG
  • Runtime
    1 hr 46 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    8.0  (167,981)
  • Metascore
    83