Young Frankenstein Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A doctor inherits a castle, yells a lot, and accidentally creates a Broadway star with a questionable brain and even more questionable romantic encounters.

🍿 Young Frankenstein: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Inheritance and Arrival in Transylvania

Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, a respected neurosurgeon and professor, is exasperated by comparisons to his infamous grandfather, Victor Frankenstein. He insists on pronouncing his name ‘Fronkensteen’ to distance himself. However, upon inheriting his family’s Transylvanian estate, he travels to inspect the property, leaving behind his aloof fiancée, Elizabeth.

Discovering the Laboratory

At the Transylvanian train station, Frederick is met by Igor, a hunchbacked servant (who insists his name is pronounced ‘Eye-gor’), and Inga, a buxom and eager assistant. Upon arrival at the imposing castle, they encounter Frau Blücher, a stern housekeeper whose name frightens horses. Frederick discovers his grandfather’s secret laboratory, and, captivated by his journals, decides to resume his experiments in re-animating the dead.

The Re-animation

Frederick and Igor steal the corpse of a recently executed criminal. They attempt to acquire the brain of a deceased revered historian, but Igor accidentally ruins it. Igor substitutes it with another labeled ‘Do Not Use This Brain! Abnormal’. Frederick proceeds to re-animate the creature, who comes to life during a lightning storm but becomes agitated and attacks Frederick.

Monster Escapes and Encounters

The townspeople are uneasy about Frederick’s experiments, particularly Inspector Kemp, a one-eyed police official with a prosthetic arm. Frau Blücher, who had a romantic relationship with Victor, sets the creature free. The monster roams the countryside, encountering a young girl and a blind hermit (played by Gene Hackman) with comedic and disastrous results. Frederick eventually recaptures the monster.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (Gene Wilder): The American grandson of Victor Frankenstein, he reluctantly embraces his family’s legacy of mad science in Transylvania.
• Igor (Marty Feldman): Dr. Frankenstein’s hunchbacked and bug-eyed assistant, prone to misplacing organs and mispronouncing his name.
• The Monster (Peter Boyle): The reanimated creature of Dr. Frankenstein’s experiment, who struggles with his identity and societal acceptance.
• Inga (Teri Garr): Dr. Frankenstein’s buxom and enthusiastic lab assistant, who brings a sense of innocent charm to the experiment.
• Elizabeth (Madeline Kahn): Dr. Frankenstein’s aloof and meticulous fiancée, who undergoes a surprising transformation upon encountering the Monster.
• Frau Blücher (Cloris Leachman): The forbidding and mysterious housekeeper whose very name terrifies the local horses.
• Inspector Kemp (Kenneth Mars): The suspicious and comically inept one-eyed police official with a prosthetic arm, determined to stop Dr. Frankenstein’s work.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dr. Frederick Frankenstein: “It’s pronounced ‘Fronkensteen’.” – Dr. Frankenstein insists on the correct pronunciation of his name to distance himself from his infamous grandfather.
• Igor: “My grandfather used to work for your grandfather. Of course, the rates have gone up.” – Igor introduces himself and establishes his family’s long-standing (and opportunistic) relationship with the Frankensteins.
• Frau Blücher: “*whinnying of horses*” – The mere mention of Frau Blücher’s name terrifies the horses, becoming a memorable running gag.
• Igor: “Walk this way.” – Igor’s comedic walk, imitated by Dr. Frankenstein, is a classic visual gag.
• The Monster: “Waaaaah!” – The Monster’s initial grunts and groans, before he gains the power of speech, are iconic and humorous.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2.8M
• Domestic Gross: $86.3M
• Worldwide Gross: $86.3M

💥 Young Frankenstein Reviews

Personal Review

Oh my god, ‘Young Frankenstein’ is one of those movies that just makes you feel good. I remember watching it for the first time and I almost peed my pants laughing. That ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’ scene? Iconic! And Marty Feldman as Igor? Genius! I quote this movie all the time (‘What knockers!’), and it never gets old. If you haven’t seen it, you’re missing out on pure comedic bliss. Seriously, go watch it now!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Mel Brooks comedies”
  • “Viewers who appreciate classic horror parodies”
  • “Those familiar with the original Frankenstein films”
  • “People who enjoy slapstick and witty humor”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Crude humor”
  • “Suggestive content”
  • “Some frightening images”
  • “Brief language”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Mel Brooks’s finest work, a loving parody of classic horror that’s both hilarious and visually stunning. Wilder shines as the tormented doctor, and the supporting cast is comedic gold. The black-and-white cinematography adds to the authentic feel.
• Variety: “A riotous spoof that masterfully captures the atmosphere of the original Frankenstein films. The script is sharp, the performances are top-notch, and the direction is impeccable. A must-see for comedy fans.
• RogerEbert.com: “A clever and affectionate parody that understands the source material perfectly. Gene Wilder’s performance is a comedic tour de force. The Puttin’ on the Ritz scene is pure genius.

Audience Reactions

The ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’ scene is the most hilarious thing ever put on film.: The perfect blend of slapstick humor and witty writing.

Marty Feldman’s performance as Igor steals every scene he’s in.: A timeless comedy that still holds up today.

Overall Consensus: A universally loved comedy that’s considered one of Mel Brooks’s best, blending slapstick with sharp wit.

Awards

1. Hugo Award (Best Dramatic Presentation)- 1975

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Mel Brooks used the same laboratory props and equipment that were used in the original 1931 film ‘Frankenstein’. Ken Strickfaden, who created the equipment, was given screen credit in ‘Young Frankenstein’, which he did not receive for the original film.”
• “The film was shot in black and white as a tribute to the original Frankenstein films of the 1930s. Mel Brooks felt that color would have detracted from the film’s atmosphere and comedic effect.”
• “Gene Wilder co-wrote the screenplay with Mel Brooks. Wilder came up with the idea for the film after reading a short story about a grandson of Victor Frankenstein trying to live down his grandfather’s reputation.”
• “The original cut of the movie was almost twice as long as the final cut. After a test screening, Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder removed every joke that didn’t work.”

🖥️ How to Watch Young Frankenstein?

Young Frankenstein is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video, where it’s often available to rent or buy. Additionally, it’s frequently offered on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu for digital purchase or rental. Check local listings for TV broadcasts, as it often airs during Halloween season. Physical copies (Blu-ray and DVD) are readily available from retailers like Amazon and major brick-and-mortar stores. Consider checking JustWatch for the most up-to-date streaming options in your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Young Frankenstein, you might like these similar films:

• Frankenstein (1931): The original classic horror film that ‘Young Frankenstein’ lovingly spoofs and pays homage to.
• Bride of Frankenstein (1935): Another classic Frankenstein film that ‘Young Frankenstein’ draws inspiration from, especially the blind hermit scene.
• Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948): A horror-comedy classic that blends scares with laughs, featuring iconic monsters in humorous situations.
• The Producers (1967): Another Mel Brooks comedy with Gene Wilder, known for its irreverent humor and farcical situations.
• What We Do in the Shadows (2014): A more modern comedy that uses mockumentary style to satirize vampire tropes, offering similar blend of horror and humor.

🛒 Young Frankenstein Related Products

• Young Frankenstein (Blu-ray): Own the classic comedy on Blu-ray with enhanced picture and sound quality, plus behind-the-scenes features and commentary.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Young Frankenstein – Igor: Add the iconic Igor to your Funko Pop! collection. This vinyl figure captures Marty Feldman’s unforgettable character in all his bug-eyed glory.
• Young Frankenstein: The Story of the Making of the Film: Explore the behind-the-scenes story of how this comedy classic was made, filled with photos, interviews, and anecdotes.
• Young Frankenstein Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the iconic movie poster. Perfect for decorating your home theater or office with a touch of classic comedy.

🎧 Soundtrack

Young Frankenstein features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by John Morris
• “Putting on the Ritz” – performed by Gene Wilder & Peter Boyle
• “Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life” – performed by Madeline Kahn

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Young Frankenstein (1974) Bloopers & Outtakes

Prepare to laugh out loud with this hilarious collection of bloopers and outtakes from the classic comedy ‘Young Frankenstein.’ Witness the cast’s mishaps and funny moments that didn’t make the final cut.

Gene Wilder On His First & Only Argument With Mel Brooks | Late Night with Conan O’Brien

Join Gene Wilder and Conan O’Brien in a fascinating conversation about the iconic ‘Young Frankenstein.’ Hear Wilder’s personal anecdotes and unique perspectives on working with Mel Brooks.

Did you know for YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN…

Uncover fascinating trivia about ‘Young Frankenstein’ in this fact-filled video. Discover little-known details and behind-the-scenes stories that will enhance your appreciation for this beloved comedy.

10 Things You Didn’t Know About YoungFrankenstein

Dive deeper into the world of ‘Young Frankenstein’ with this captivating video. Learn about intriguing facts and little-known trivia that will give you a fresh perspective on this classic comedy.

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