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History of the World -- Part I

History of the World -- Part I (1981)

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No Reviews Yet...

Release Date: Jan 1, 1981 Wide

audience

79

liked it
Average Rating: 3.7/5
User Ratings: 59,510

My Rating

Movie Info

Mel Brooks produced, directed, wrote, and starred in this episodic comedy in the spirit of Monty Python and the 1957 studio travesty The Story of Mankind. The film is divided into five sequences that play like blue-toned Eddie Cantor vaudeville sketches -- "The Dawn of Man," "The Stone Age," The Spanish Inquisition," "The Bible," and "The Future." Also included is a Brooksian depiction of The Last Supper and a long-winded sequence about the French Revolution. The film starts with a 2001: A Space

R,

Comedy

Mel Brooks

Oct 5, 1999

Cast

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Critic Reviews for History of the World -- Part I

All Critics (28) | Top Critics (2) | Fresh (16) | Rotten (12) | DVD (12)

Dirty jokes, some sparkle in uneven Mel Brooks classic.

December 15, 2010 Full Review Source: Common Sense Media
Charles Cassady
Common Sense Media

Sometimes it's funny, sometimes it bombs, but at least Brooks keeps things moving so you're not stuck too long with any particular bit.

July 8, 2010 Full Review Source: Playback:stl
Sarah Boslaugh
Playback:stl

Hearing some of those old, beloved one-liners again made me smile, but they did not have the power to make me laugh anew.

May 27, 2010 Full Review Source: Combustible Celluloid
Jeffrey M. Anderson
Combustible Celluloid

Brooks' fractured History is salvaged by the tuneful 'Inquisition.'

May 19, 2010 Full Review Source: What Would Toto Watch?
Christian Toto
What Would Toto Watch?

As sketch comedy goes, Mel Brooks' History of the World: Part I isn't bad. But it also isn't up to the level of his best work.

May 16, 2010 Full Review Source: Movie Metropolis
James Plath
Movie Metropolis

Brooks proved that increasing the vulgarity level doesn't necessarily translate into more laughs. Gag after gag falls flat in this potty-mouthed dud.

April 11, 2006 Full Review Source: FulvueDrive-in.com | Comment (1)
Chuck O'Leary
FulvueDrive-in.com

The fact that there has been no Part 2 is ample proof that God hates us all.

June 21, 2005
Widgett Walls
Needcoffee.com

Crude, rude Mel Brooks has low laughs

October 19, 2004
Steve Crum
Kansas City Kansan Source: Kansas City Kansan

Mel Brooks' The History of the World: Part I contains plenty of belly-shaking laughs.

January 31, 2004 Full Review Source: Spirituality and Practice
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
Spirituality and Practice

Occasional bright moments, but it's clear why there was no. part two.

November 24, 2003
Ken Hanke
Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
View all critic reviews (28)

Audience Reviews for History of the World -- Part I

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An underrated Mel Brooks gem, The History of the World-Part 1 is a hilarious film. Mel Brooks delivers yet another great film. The History of the World-Part 1 is a crude, offensive comedy, but it works. The film has all the ingredients that make up a great Mel Brooks comedy. This film is fairly underrated, and is viewed as less superior as Brooks' works. The cast here are a wonderful bunch of actors that deliver something memorable to the screen. If you enjoy a good Mel Brooks film, then give this film a view, this film is definitely worth it, and is lots of fun from start to finish. The comedic delivery is low brow, and it works. With every film that Mel Brooks has done, he's done something hilarious, something that would push the boundaries of the comedy genre, much like Monty Python; His films are classics of the genre. If you're a fan of Mel Brooks, give this one a shot. The jokes are in poor taste at times, but they're meant to be taken with a grain of salt. The History of the World-Part 1 is a near flawless comedy, and is among Mel Brooks' best works. Funny from start to finish, History of the World-Part 1 is supported by a great cast of talented funny actors who really make this film stand out. If you want a great slapstick offensive comedy, then this is the perfect flick to watch. This really an underrated film in my opinion and it doesn't deserve the flack it has received. If you enjoy Mel Brooks, you'll enjoy this film. I was surprised at how much I loved it, a true comedy classic.
May 15, 2012
TheDudeLebowski65
Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski

Super Reviewer

What was Brooks thinking with this movie? It's not funny, all the jokes are stupid, and there's not really a story (not that one I can recall anyway.). I hated this movie.
September 6, 2010
ajv2688
AJ Verser

Super Reviewer

History of the World -- Part I Quotes

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    1. Empress Nympho: I love quick time march.
    – Submitted by Gracie T (3 months ago)
    1. Coming Attraction: See, Hitler on ice!
    – Submitted by S.R. H (11 months ago)
    1. Marcus Vindictus: [while Josephus is hiding among the eunuchs, Caladonia dances erotically in front of them to test them] He's a eunuch.
    2. Capt. Mucus: Mmm-hmm.
    3. Marcus Vindictus: [she moves to another one, dancing harder] *He's* a eunuch.
    4. Capt. Mucus: Mmm-hmm.
    5. Marcus Vindictus: [she moves to a third one, dancing even harder] He's *dead!*
    6. Capt. Mucus: Hmm.
    – Submitted by Francis L (13 months ago)
    1. Moses: The Lord, the Lord Jehovah has given unto you these fifteen... [drops one of the tablets] Oy! Ten! Ten commandments for all to obey!
    – Submitted by Francis L (13 months ago)
    1. Poppinjay: [muffled in to megaphone] Pawn threatens bishop!
    2. King Lou: What the hell did you say?
    3. Poppinjay: [turning to King Louis XVI without removing the megaphone] Pawn threatens bishop!
    – Submitted by Francis L (13 months ago)
    1. Chief Monk: Torquemada - do not beg him for mercy. Torquemada - do not ask him for forgiveness. Let's face it - you can't Torquemada anything!
    – Submitted by Francis L (13 months ago)

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Latest News on History of the World -- Part I

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Foreign Titles

  • History of the World: Part I (DE)
  • History of the World: Part I (UK)
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