Mel Brooks will be long remembered for his work in films, but I think the film he should especially be remembered for is Young Frankenstein. This 1974 film parodies not just Frankenstein (1931) but the Universal horror pictures of the 1930s and that aesthetic. It’s a work of sheer brilliance because while it is a parody as only Mel Brooks could come up with, it also works as a drama in its own right, and that isn’t easy to pull off.
The Story
In broad strokes, Young Frankenstein both parodies Frankenstein and serves as a follow-up to it. The film is set in what was then the present day and follows Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (initially pronounced “Fron-ken-steen”) as he suddenly inherits the entire Frankenstein estate and travels to Transylvania to take possession. While initially adamant that he is nothing like his infamous grandfather, Frederick quickly changes his tune when he stumbles upon his grandfather’s notes detailing how he brought the original Creature to life. Determined to prove his grandfather actually knew what he was doing, Frederick decides to replicate the process with terrifying (and occasionally hilarious) results.
There are so many things that make this film work as well as it does. Everyone did their homework on the 1930s Universal horror films and it shows in every frame. From being shot in black and white to mimicking the shooting style of that era, every part of this film feels like it belongs to that older era of Hollywood that Brooks is paying homage to.
The Music
Very little of this would be possible without the positively haunting score composed by John Morris for the film. This is one of those films where I readily make the argument that the movie works in part because of the music. Morris composed a score that is pure orchestral drama, very much done in the style of the Golden Age of Hollywood. This was done on purpose, as it turns out, because Brooks deliberately didn’t tell Morris that Young Frankenstein was a comedy and so the composer created the music as he would for a serious film. And really, can you imagine the film with any type of music other than what was created? The Universal films of the 1930s were noted for their musical scores and it’s fitting that Young Frankenstein had a score to match that tone.
The Laboratory Props
My other favorite detail in Young Frankenstein, apart from Gene Wilder’s spectacular performance, is the props in Victor Frankenstein’s laboratory. Look closely at some of those props and then go back and watch the original Frankenstein film from 1931. Some of those props will look quite familiar and that’s because they’re the originals from the 1931 film. While preparing to make Young Frankenstein, Mel Brooks discovered that Ken Strickfaden, who’d designed the equipment for the original Frankenstein films, was still living and had kept the equipment after those films were done filming. The two came to a deal for the equipment to appear in Young Frankenstein and that’s how Strickfaden came to receive a special mention in the opening credits, as he’d never been credited in the original films.
I know there was only so much they could do in terms of creating the laboratory set, but it always does remind me very much of the lab from the original Frankenstein film. The only thing that would’ve made the comparison better, and I’m sure there were legal reasons why they couldn’t do this, is if they could’ve looped in audio from Colin Clive’s performance as Henry Frankenstein from the original film. I’m convinced Mel Brooks (who did the voiceover for that moment) had the original actor in mind when he did his lines.
What Young Frankenstein Means to Us
This is the movie that really sold me on Gene Wilder. I didn’t see Blazing Saddles till years later, but Young Frankenstein I would argue is much funnier. The dynamic between Marty Feldman and Gene Wilder is so good, and the fast-paced wit of the entire cast makes for a type of comedy that doesn’t exist anymore. There are so many gags and honestly, they all land so well. My partner and I quote this movie almost daily, and re-watching it never gets old.
–Valerie Morreale
Mel Brooks is a comedy genius. A goofy, gag-a-minute, comedy genius. Spaceballs, Blazing Saddles, History of the World Part 1– they’re all clever, funny, and full of eminently quotable dialogue. Even when a film isn’t perfect (sorry Dracula: Dead and Loving It) there’s usually enough funny to carry me through. Out of them all, though, Young Frankenstein is my favorite. It’s the perfect combination of actors, writing, story, and pacing – but it’s also a pitch-perfect spoof of the classic Universal Monster movies, some of my favorite horror movies of all time. It’s an absolute blast, and I’m kind of thinking I need to see it again. With my friend Abby. Abby Normal. I’m almost certain that’s her name.
–Bob Cram
A Film to Remember
Young Frankenstein is a king among spoof films and a reminder that they genuinely do not make films like this anymore. It’s a film that everyone needs to see at least once.
Do you have any thoughts on Young Frankenstein? Please share them in the comments!
