Young Frankenstein is a classic comedy film directed by Mel Brooks and released in 1974. It's a parody of classic horror films, particularly the Frankenstein series directed by James Whale. The film stars Gene Wilder as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, who is the grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein.
Here's a brief summary of the plot:
Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced "Fronkensteen" to distance himself from his family's reputation) is a respectable and talented neurosurgeon in New York. After learning about the death of his grandfather, Victor Frankenstein, Frederick inherits the family estate in Transylvania. Despite his initial reluctance, he decides to visit Transylvania and inspect the castle.
Upon arrival, Frederick discovers his grandfather's laboratory and the notes detailing the reanimation process. Intrigued by the scientific possibilities, he decides to continue his grandfather's work and brings a dead body to life with the help of his hunchbacked assistant, Igor (Marty Feldman), and the lab assistant, Inga (Teri Garr).
As Frederick's experiment progresses, the creature (played by Peter Boyle) comes to life, and the comedic chaos ensues. The film cleverly parodies the horror genre, incorporating humor, wordplay, and visual gags. It pays homage to the classic Universal Studios Frankenstein films while adding a distinct comedic twist.
Young Frankenstein is celebrated for its witty script, memorable characters, and the comedic talents of its cast. Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder collaborated to create a film that has become a beloved classic in the realm of comedy and satire.
Cast
- Gene Wilder as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein
- Peter Boyle as The Monster
- Marty Feldman as Igor
- Cloris Leachman as Frau Blücher
- Teri Garr as Inga
- Kenneth Mars as Inspector Kemp
- Madeline Kahn as Elizabeth
- Richard Haydn as Grandfather
- Gene Hackman as The Blind Man
- Mel Brooks as The Hermit
- Liam Dunn as Mr. Hilltop
- Oscar Beregi Jr. as Sadistic Jailor
- Rusty Blitz as Gravedigger
- John Dennis as Orderly in Frankenstein's Class
- Rolfe Sedan as Train Conductor
- Randolph Dobbs as Third Villager - Joe
- Pat O'Hara as Villager
- Lidia Kristen as Inga's friend
- Leon Askin as Hans
Director: Mel Brooks
Writers: Gene Wilder, Mel Brooks
Box Office Gross: $86,273,333
Distributor: Twentieth Century Fox
Genre: Comedy
Release Date: December 15, 1974