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      Watch trailer for History of the World: Part I

      History of the World: Part I

      1981, Comedy, 1h 33m

      34 Reviews 50,000+ Ratings

      What to know

      Critics Consensus

      History of the World: Part I may not have enough comedic inspiration to merit a Part II, but the sporadic cleverness of these anachronistic skits are still a testament to Mel Brooks' gift for farce. Read critic reviews

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      Movie Info

      Human history is traced through a series of vignettes, beginning with cavemen awestruck by their own magnificence. Then Moses (Mel Brooks) receives the tablets containing the "15" commandments, and Emperor Nero (Dom DeLuise) presides over a madcap Rome with his wife, Nympho (Madeline Kahn). Jumping ahead, the Spanish Inquisition softens repression with song and dance, and a few centuries later Madame Defarge (Cloris Leachman) is fomenting revolution in France.

      • Rating: R

      • Genre: Comedy

      • Original Language: English

      • Director: Mel Brooks

      • Producer: Mel Brooks

      • Writer: Mel Brooks

      • Release Date (Theaters):  limited

      • Release Date (Streaming):

      • Runtime:

      • Sound Mix: Stereo

      • Aspect Ratio: Digital 2.39:1

      Cast & Crew

      Mel Brooks
      Dom DeLuise
      Madeline Kahn
      Harvey Korman
      Cloris Leachman
      Pamela Stephenson
      Shecky Greene
      Sid Caesar
      Howard Morris
      Rudy De Luca
      Mel Brooks
      John Morris
      Woody Omens
      John C. Howard
      Harold Michelson
      Norman Newberry
      Antony Mondello
      Patricia Norris

      Critic Reviews for History of the World: Part I

      Audience Reviews for History of the World: Part I

      • Jan 31, 2014
        The Mel Brooks comedy History of the World: Part I delivers plenty of laughs, but it's a little rough in some spots. The film consists of several sketches about varies historical periods, including the Stone Age, the Roman Empire, the Spanish Inquisition, and the French Revolution. And while each is funny in its own way, the tone is inconsistent and there are problems with the pacing. History of the World: Part I is entertaining and fun, but it doesn't quite work as a whole.
        Super Reviewer
      • May 23, 2013
        A truly funny, episodic comedy. Kahn is great and the musical numbers are memorable.
        Super Reviewer
      • May 15, 2012
        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.
        Super Reviewer
      • Apr 11, 2011
        I'm still flabbergasted that my dad bought me this movie in my childhood. I think this was the sixth time I watched it, and the First time that I got all the dirty jokes. The film covers Dawn of man (parody of 2001: A Space Odyssey), stone age, roman empire, Spanish Inquisition,French revolution, and some biblical references. It's a laugh riot, and the genius Mel Brooks put in plenty of things to catch. I'm not sure if it's still my favorite Brooks film, but it's still a damn good one.
        Super Reviewer

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