La Folle Histoire du monde

Original title: History of the World: Part I

IMDb RATING

6.8/10

57K

YOUR RATING

POPULARITY

Play trailer2:54

Dark Comedy Parody Sketch Comedy Slapstick Comedy History Musical

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.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.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.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.8/10

57K

YOUR RATING

POPULARITY

4,783

214

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 1 win & 1 nomination total

Videos1

Trailer 2:54

History of the World, Part I

Photos139

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9:57

Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
Beforehand, it was agreed that Orson Welles would receive $5,000 per day in exchange for his services. Figuring that he'd have to spend five eight-hour days recording and re-recording these lines with Welles, Mel Brooks paid him $25,000 up front. But by noon on the first day, Welles had recorded his lines to perfection. "Oh, my god, I could've paid you $5,000", Brooks lamented. After kicking himself for a few minutes, the funnyman asked Welles how he planned to spend the bounty. "Cuban cigars and Sevruga caviar", Welles replied.

Goofs
In the beginning of the Roman Empire Segment, one of the running jokes was the use of a V in place of a U. It seems that great care was taken to do this on every sign. Except the Annual Orgy sign which has two Us on it that were not changed to Vs. Us are also visible on the "Equal Opportunity Employer" sign at the Unemployment Office.

The U/V joke wasn't meant to go on forever. They used it for the first part part of the segment, then once the joke had run its course they dropped it for the remainder.

Quotes
Moses: The Lord, the Lord Jehovah has given unto you these fifteen...
[drops one of the tablets]
Moses: Oy! Ten! Ten commandments for all to obey!

Crazy credits
VESTAL VIRGINS Portrayed by Playboy Playmates and Models

Alternate versions
The German TV version is missing the "Hitler on Ice" segment during the finale. Also, there is a small bit missing in the stone age segment, showing the invention of art (wall painting), and the first critic taking a leak on the masterpiece.

Connections
Edited from Les Vikings (1958)

Soundtracks
The Inquisition
Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks and Ronny Graham
Performed by Mel Brooks, Jackie Mason, and Ronny Graham
Original Music and Lyrics © 1981 Brooksfilms Music Limited

User reviews177

Featured review

6/10

Witty AND Clever

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 :.