The grandson of Dr. Frankenstein embraces his family's psychotic
​genius and successfully reanimates a corpse, with hilarious results.

COMEDY/HORROR

Young Frankenstein (1974)

Directed by Mel Brooks

Written by Gene Wilder and Mel Brooks

Starring Gene Wilder, Peter Boyle, Marty Feldman, Teri Garr,
Cloris Leachman, Madeline Kahn, Kenneth Mars

Spoof of 1931's Frankenstein

Based on characters created by Mary Shelley

Oscar Nominations - Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Sound Mixing

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Connor Eyzaguirre

November 11, 2019

9/10

Young Frankenstein is Mel Brooks's masterpiece, in my opinion. It's one of my favorite comedies and it keeps getting funnier every single time I see it. Gene Wilder was always at his best when playing unhinged, slightly psychotic characters, and his turn as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced Fronkensteen) is easily as iconic as his Willy Wonka. Alongside him is an incredibly supporting cast of some of the funniest people of the 20th century, like Peter Boyle, Madeline Kahn, and Marty Feldman. This is easily one of the best spoofs ever made, maybe even the best.

Wilder is the eccentric but respected Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, American grandson of the infamous Dr. Victor Frankenstein. When his great-grandfather dies, Frederick goes to Transylvania where he meets Igor (Feldman) and Inga (Teri Garr), as well as the mysterious Frau Blucher (Cloris Leachman, cue horse noise). In his grandfather's castle, Frederick discovers the secret to creating life, and embarks on his own experiment, where he creates the Monster (Boyle). Every scene is filled to the brim with clever humor, great sight gags, and endlessly quotable lines ("There wolf. There castle."). It's an absolute gold mine.

Young Frankenstein has survived over 40 years because it's such a brilliant movie, and it actually kind of works as an unofficial sequel to 1931's Frankenstein. The combined comedic genius of Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder was sure to generate something worthwhile and iconic, and Young Frankenstein was the result of that union. If you haven't seen it, stop wasting your life and get on it. You won't be disappointed.