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History of the World: Part I (1981)

R  |   |  Comedy  |  12 June 1981 (USA)
6.9
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Ratings: 6.9/10 from 33,877 users  
Reviews: 130 user | 44 critic

Mel Brooks brings his one-of-a-kind comic touch to the history of mankind covering events from the Old Testament to the French Revolution in a series of episodic comedy vignettes.

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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Narrator (voice)
Rudy De Luca ...
Prehistoric Man / Captain Mucus - The Roman Empire (as Rudy DeLuca)
Leigh French ...
Prehistoric Woman
Richard Karron ...
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Storyline

From the dawn of man to the distant future, mankind's evolution (or lack thereof) is traced. Often ridiculous but never serious, we learn the truth behind the Roman Emperor, we learn what REALLY happened at the Last Supper, the circumstances that surrounded the French Revolution, how to test eunuchs, and what kind of shoes the Spanish Inquisitor wore. Written by Murray Chapman <muzzle@cs.uq.oz.au>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

IN MEL WE TRVST See more »

Genres:

Comedy

Certificate:

R | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

| |

Release Date:

12 June 1981 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

History of the World: Part II  »

Box Office

Budget:

$11,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

SEK 8,592,518 (Sweden)
 »

Company Credits

Production Co:

 »
Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Henny Youngman:  As a Chemist in "The Roman Empire" segment. See more »

Goofs

When Comicus and the others are escaping from Rome in a carriage being pulled by Miracle, the carriage has thin narrow wheels, however the tire tracks it leaves when they're pulling away are wide and have treads like regular car tires. See more »

Quotes

Jacques: [about to be executed in Louis's place] Please, please believe me, I'm not the king!
Crowd: BULLSHIT!
Jacques: This is a very hard crowd!
See more »

Crazy Credits

VESTAL VIRGINS Portrayed by Playboy Playmates and Models See more »

Connections

Referenced in Melrose Place: Asses to Ashes (1999) See more »

Soundtracks

Hooray for Hollywood
(uncredited)
Music by Richard A. Whiting
Lyrics by Johnny Mercer
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
Witty AND Clever
3 March 2006 | by (.: Fiendish Writings in the Dark :.) – See all my reviews

Although it is aged around the edges, History of the World is one of my favorite comedies. Admittedly, I have a good 100 in my "favorites" list, but HotW is definitely in the top 25. It is pure enjoyment and while sometimes raucous, it is never raunchy. Tactless, but never dumbed down, and that makes for the best kind of comedy.

In true Brooks fashion, this work takes you from a parody of life to a satirical pop-culture vehicle. Unfortunately, the many late 1970's pop-culture references throughout the dialog is what dates this work. Otherwise, it would still be fresh, today.

Led by Mel Brooks's polished stylized direction, this work is not only hilarious, but is clever in its irony. It never takes itself too seriously, and delivers with every scene.

If you liked Wholly Moses, you will LOVE this!

It rates a 6.4/10 from...

the Fiend :.


25 of 37 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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