History of the World: Part I Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Mankind tries to figure out fire, commandments, orgies, torture, and revolution all while Mel Brooks screams at the camera.

🍿 History of the World: Part I: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Stone Age: Inventions and Early Arts

The film opens in the Stone Age, showcasing cavemen discovering fire, marriage, and art. Sid Caesar leads the ensemble as they navigate these pivotal moments in human history, culminating in an unexpected rendition of Handel’s ‘Hallelujah Chorus.’ This segment highlights the primitive origins of culture and creativity, setting the stage for the film’s satirical journey through time. The comedic inventions and early societal norms are presented with slapstick humor. This sets a lighthearted tone, suggesting that even the most significant historical developments can be fodder for amusement. The use of familiar comedic tropes in an ancient setting creates a humorous juxtaposition.

The Old Testament: Moses and the Ten Commandments

Mel Brooks portrays Moses descending from Mount Sinai with three stone tablets. In a moment of clumsy divine intervention, he drops one, reducing the fifteen commandments to a more manageable ten. This iconic scene pokes fun at religious reverence and the arbitrariness of historical events. The reduction of the commandments is a classic comedic device, undermining the solemnity typically associated with religious texts. This irreverent take is characteristic of Brooks’ comedic style, using humor to question established narratives.

The Roman Empire: Comicus and the Last Supper

This segment follows Comicus, a stand-up philosopher played by Brooks, as he navigates the perils and absurdities of ancient Rome. He falls in love with a Vestal Virgin, befriends an Ethiopian slave, and finds himself in the middle of Emperor Nero’s court. The segment culminates in Comicus’ accidental disruption of the Last Supper, adding a layer of absurdity to a pivotal moment in Christian history. Gregory Hines shines as Josephus, displaying both comedic timing and dancing talent. The segment blends historical satire with slapstick humor, featuring exaggerated characters and absurd situations. The appearance of Leonardo da Vinci further adds to the comedic chaos, painting Comicus into the Last Supper as the ultimate photobomb.

The Spanish Inquisition: A Musical Torture Extravaganza

In a surreal and controversial segment, Mel Brooks portrays Torquemada in a lavish Busby Berkeley-style musical number. Torture devices are reimagined as elaborate dance props, with nuns in bathing suits performing synchronized swimming routines. This segment is a darkly comedic take on one of history’s most brutal periods, generating both laughter and discomfort. The juxtaposition of torture and musical theater is intentionally shocking, challenging viewers to confront the absurdity of historical atrocities. Jackie Mason and Ronny Graham appear as Jewish torture victims, adding another layer of satire. The segment remains a subject of debate due to its provocative nature and controversial subject matter.

The French Revolution: Piss-Boy King and the Escape

Brooks portrays King Louis XVI and Jacques, the ‘piss-boy’ chosen to impersonate him. Harvey Korman and Cloris Leachman add to the comedic chaos as key figures in the French Revolution. The segment culminates in a daring escape from the guillotine, with Josephus making a surprise return to save the day. The French Revolution segment blends slapstick humor with political satire, lampooning the excesses of the aristocracy and the fervor of revolution. The appearance of Josephus and Miracle from the Roman Empire segment provides a sense of continuity, tying the various historical episodes together.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mel Brooks (Mel Brooks): Brooks plays multiple roles, including Moses, Comicus the stand-up philosopher, and King Louis XVI, satirizing historical figures and events with his signature comedic style.
• Gregory Hines (Gregory Hines): Josephus, an Ethiopian slave who befriends Comicus, showcases his dance skills and comedic timing as he navigates the Roman Empire.
• Dom DeLuise (Dom DeLuise): Emperor Nero is a gluttonous and eccentric ruler, whose over-the-top behavior provides comedic fodder in the Roman Empire segment.
• Madeline Kahn (Madeline Kahn): Empress Nympho is a lustful empress who conspires with Comicus and Josephus, adding to the Roman Empire’s chaotic humor.
• Harvey Korman (Harvey Korman): Count de Monet is a scheming advisor to King Louis XVI in the French Revolution segment, whose mispronunciation of his name becomes a running gag.
• Cloris Leachman (Cloris Leachman): Madame Defarge incites the mob to plot the French Revolution with a bitter resentment.
• Sid Caesar (Sid Caesar): The Chief Caveman provides comedic moments in the Stone Age segment as he attempts to discover human fundamentals.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• 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!” – Moses presents the commandments, hilariously reducing them after dropping one of the tablets.
• King Louis XVI: “It’s good to be the king.” – The King repeats this line after indulging in various royal privileges, highlighting the decadence of his reign.
• Torquemada: “The Inquisition! Let’s begin!” – The opening line to the elaborate and satirical musical number about the Spanish Inquisition.
• Jacques: “I’ll Wait!” – Said by the ‘piss-boy’ Jacques, impersonating King Louis, who asked for novocaine as his last request before being executed by the guillotine, despite it not being invented yet.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $11,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $31,672,907
• Worldwide Gross: $31,672,907

💥 History of the World: Part I Reviews

Personal Review

I have such a soft spot for this movie. It’s totally ridiculous and not all the jokes land, but when they do, they REALLY do. The Spanish Inquisition musical number is pure genius, and Madeline Kahn is hilarious as Empress Nympho. I know some people think it’s uneven, but I find it endlessly quotable and fun. It just makes me laugh, plain and simple. I could watch this movie over and over.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Mel Brooks comedies.”
  • “Viewers who enjoy historical parodies.”
  • “People with a taste for irreverent humor.”
  • “Those who appreciate slapstick and musical comedy.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Crude humor and language.”
  • “Religious satire.”
  • “Brief nudity.”
  • “Potentially offensive stereotypes.”
  • “Depiction of violence and torture (comedic).”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Ebert gave the film a mixed review, praising some segments like the Spanish Inquisition musical number but criticizing others as being juvenile or unfunny. He noted that the film relies heavily on slapstick and broad humor, which may not appeal to all viewers.
• Variety: “Variety stated that the film has some funny moments, but is ultimately uneven. It added that despite the talented cast and Brooks’ comedic vision, the movie fails to sustain a consistent level of humor throughout.
• The New York Times: “The New York Times said that despite some inspired moments, the movie is often crude and relies too heavily on lowbrow humor, making it an inconsistent and ultimately disappointing comedy.

Audience Reactions

The ‘Spanish Inquisition’ musical number is considered a standout moment of comedic brilliance.: Viewers often appreciate the film’s willingness to tackle historical events with irreverent humor.

Madeline Kahn’s performance receives high praise for her comedic timing and delivery.: Many find the movie’s humor to be hit-or-miss, but appreciate the overall silliness and energy.

Overall Consensus: A polarizing Mel Brooks comedy with some moments of brilliance offset by crude humor and uneven pacing.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Orson Welles was paid $5,000 per day to record the narration. He completed the entire recording in just one morning.”
• “Caesar’s Palace hotel in Las Vegas was used as a filming location for the Roman Empire segment.”
• “The title is a reference to Sir Walter Raleigh’s unfinished book ‘The History of the World,’ of which he only completed Volume 1 before being executed.”
• “The song from the ‘Jews in Space’ trailer, previewing the never-made sequel, was later re-used as the theme song for Mel Brooks’ ‘Robin Hood: Men in Tights.'”

🖥️ How to Watch History of the World: Part I?

History of the World: Part I is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on demand through services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check these platforms for rental or purchase options. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed History of the World: Part I, you might like these similar films:

• Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975): Shares a similar sketch comedy style and irreverent take on historical and legendary subjects.
• Life of Brian (1979): Another Monty Python film that irreverently satirizes religious and historical narratives, much like ‘History of the World: Part I’.
• The Producers (1967): Another Mel Brooks film, which features a similarly irreverent and satirical tone and contains a controversial musical number.
• Your Show of Shows (1950): A live television variety show which featured Sid Caesar, Imogene Coca, Carl Reiner, and Mel Brooks as writers and performers. This early live television show pioneered sketch comedy and broke the mold in early television programming.
• Hail, Caesar! (2016): A modern comedy film that satirizes the Golden Age of Hollywood and its portrayal of historical epics, capturing a similar spirit of parody.

🛒 History of the World: Part I Related Products

• History of the World, Part I [Blu-ray]: Own the classic comedy on Blu-ray for enhanced viewing quality and bonus features. Experience Mel Brooks’ unique brand of humor in high definition.
• Mel Brooks: The Complete Box Set [DVD]: Get the complete collection of Mel Brooks’ movies, including ‘History of the World, Part I’, on DVD. Enjoy hours of laughter with this comprehensive box set.
• Mel Brooks Autographed Movie Poster: Own a rare autographed movie poster signed by Mel Brooks himself. A collector’s dream item for fans of his work.
• “It’s Good to Be the King” T-Shirt: Show your love for the movie with this hilarious t-shirt featuring one of the movie’s most iconic quotes. Comfortable and stylish for everyday wear.

🎧 Soundtrack

History of the World: Part I features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Inquisition” – performed by Mel Brooks, Jackie Mason, and Ronny Graham

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Madeline Kahn as Queen Nympho / “Got a Great Corkscrew” 1981

Remember Queen Nympho? Madeline Kahn was a comedic genius! This clip shows her at her best, delivering some hilarious (and slightly naughty) lines.

The Best of Mel Brooks Compilation

Want a taste of Mel Brooks’ genius? This compilation features his best scenes, including some from ‘History of the World: Part 1’. Seriously, if you love satire, this is gold.

Count de Monet

Count de Monet is one of the funniest characters in ‘History of the World: Part 1’. This compilation puts all his best scenes in one place. Prepare to laugh!

✨ Rate