Click to read the article
History of the World: Part 1 (1981)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:23
Fresh:14
Rotten:9
Average Rating:5.6/10
Runtime: 1 hr 33 mins
Genre: Comedies
Synopsis: In this spoof of great moments in history from the dawn of humanity through the French Revolution, director Mel Brooks delivers a twisted history lesson through his signature satirical, madcap... In this spoof of great moments in history from the dawn of humanity through the French Revolution, director Mel Brooks delivers a twisted history lesson through his signature satirical, madcap humor. Funny, vulgar, and narrated by the great Orson Welles, HISTORY OF THE WORLD - PART I tells the progress of humankind as cave dweller, tap-dancing slave, and biblical hero. The most famous bit in the film features Moses coming down from Mount Sinai. Other highlights include a hilarious "Hitler on Ice" sequence and other outrageous comic situations, unbelievably silly jokes, and inspired casting (Sid Caesar, Gregory Hines, and Madeline Kahn included), with the film itself mimicking several historical Hollywood epics, most notably THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD and THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, as well as a brilliant parody of 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY. [More]
Starring: Mel Brooks, Madeline Kahn, Harvey Korman, Cloris Leachman
Starring: Mel Brooks, Madeline Kahn, Harvey Korman, Cloris Leachman, Sid Caesar, Dom DeLuise
Director: Mel Brooks
Director: Mel Brooks
Get This Movie
Reviews for History of the World: Part 1
Brooks proved that increasing the vulgarity level doesn't necessarily translate into more laughs. Gag after gag falls flat in this potty-mouthed dud.
Mel Brooks' The History of the World: Part I contains plenty of belly-shaking laughs.
Latest News for History of the World: Part 1
August 21, 2008:
EW Lists 11 Movies with a Playboy Connection ![]()
Just in time for The House Bunny's theatrical debut, Entertainment Weekly has compiled a list of 11 notable films with a Playboy connection. Put on your bunny ears! More...
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 15% 15% | The Ugly Truth |
| 98% 98% | Up |
| 36% 36% | G.I. Joe: The Rise of … |
| 52% 52% | The Taking of Pelham 1… |
| 45% 45% | Ice Age: Dawn of the D… |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
| 68% 68% | Funny People |
| 25% 25% | Four Christmases |
| 45% 45% | Shorts |
RT On Current TV
DIRECTV 358 | Comcast 107 | DISH Network 196 | More...
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
CloseSponsored Links
Around The Network
- History of the World: Part 1 at Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh Links
Featured

TECHLAND gives us a first look at the extras, including Leonard Nimoy's last day on set!

AV Club looks at a beloved cult classic, Sam Raimi's Army of Darkness.

TIME offers us a closer look at the characters from the latest Twilight film.

Moviefone lists their choices for the least attractive men in Hollywood.
Promos

Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!



Top Critic


