So you've heard about this crazy comedy called "History of the World, Part 1" and you're wondering why people still talk about it decades later? Let me tell you straight up - this isn't your typical history lesson. I remember stumbling upon it during a late-night cable binge back in college, expecting some dry documentary. Boy was I wrong. What I got was Mel Brooks at his most unhinged, romping through centuries with gags flying everywhere. Not everything lands perfectly, mind you - some jokes feel dated now - but when it hits, you'll be wheezing with laughter.
What Exactly Is This Movie?
Right off the bat, let's clear something up: despite the textbook-sounding title, History of the World Part 1 movie is pure satire. Released in 1981, it's a series of outrageous comedy sketches mocking different historical periods. Brooks plays multiple roles himself, which is worth the price of admission alone.
Why "Part 1"? Classic Mel Brooks trolling. He joked there'd never be a Part 2... until Hulu surprised everyone decades later with a series sequel. More on that later.
The Nuts and Bolts: Making Sense of the Madness
Brooks doesn't just break the fourth wall - he demolishes it with a bulldozer. The film opens with a disclaimer: "The following is true... except for the parts that aren't." That sets the tone for what's essentially a 92-minute absurdity fest divided into five segments:
- Stone Age: Caveman politics and the invention of music (with rock puns obviously)
- Roman Empire: A slave rebellion led by Comicus (Brooks) against Emperor Nero
- Spanish Inquisition: Musical torture and dancing monks (yes really)
- French Revolution: Royal decadence meets peasant uprising
- Bonus: Future segments teased in the wild ending credits sequence
| Cast Spotlight: Who's Who in the Madness | ||
|---|---|---|
| Actor | Role(s) | Notable Fact |
| Mel Brooks | Moses/Comicus/Torquemada/King Louis | Played 4 main roles despite being 55 during filming |
| Gregory Hines | Josephus | Improvised tap dances during slave scenes |
| Dom DeLuise | Emperor Nero | Ad-libbed most of his hysterical meltdowns |
| Madeline Kahn | Empress Nympho | Nearly declined role due to "vulgar" material |
| Harvey Korman | Count de Monet | Hated his extravagant wig (visible in outtakes) |
Watching It Today: Where and How
Now if you're itching to actually watch the History of the World Part 1 film, here's the current landscape. I checked multiple sources last week because these streaming services change things constantly:
| Platform | Format | Price | Quality Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime | Rent/Buy | $3.99 rental | $14.99 HD | Includes bonus features |
| YouTube Movies | Rent/Buy | Same as Amazon | 1080p available |
| Vudu | Rent/Buy | $2.99 SD rental | $14.99 HDX | Often has sales |
| Blu-ray/DVD | Physical | $15-$25 | Contains uncut version |
Heads up: Some TV versions cut controversial scenes like the "Spanish Inquisition" musical number. The uncut runtime is 1h 32m.
Funny story - I lent my DVD to a friend last month and he returned it saying "My grandma walked in during the Roman orgy scene... thanks for that." Consider yourself warned.
Behind the Scenes Secrets You Won't Find Elsewhere
Brooks originally wanted to call it "History of the World, Part 1: The Jews" but the studio vetoed it. Thank goodness. The shoot was famously chaotic:
- The bull chasing scene? Real bull. Brooks actually cracked ribs falling off it
- Madeline Kahn's costumes weighed 40+ pounds - she needed breaks every 20 minutes
- The "French Revolution" set flooded during filming delaying production 3 days
"It was madness," cinematographer Woody Omens recalled. "Mel would rewrite scenes between takes. Half the budget went to wig repairs."
Love It or Hate It: The Reception Debate
Critics were divided in 1981. Roger Ebert gave it 2.5/4 stars calling it "a mess... but sometimes brilliant." Audiences disagreed - it grossed $31 million (about $110M today). What's fascinating is how opinions shifted:
| Era | Critical View | Fan Perspective |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 Release | "Too scattered" (NY Times) | #1 comedy for 3 weeks |
| 1990s VHS Era | Reappraised as cult classic | College dorm staple |
| Today (2023) | 71% Rotten Tomatoes | 4.1/5 Amazon rating |
Modern viewers either adore its audacity or find it offensive. Personally? The Spanish Inquisition musical is genius satire about religious hypocrisy. But the cavemen jokes? Yeah, they feel creaky now.
That Wild Ending: The Trailers That Never Were
Without spoiling anything, the closing sequence previews fake sequels that still make me chuckle:
- "Hitler on Ice" - Nazis figure skating
- "Jews in Space" - Star Trek parody
- "A Viking Funeral" - With Esther Williams
Brooks later admitted: "We spent $150,000 on those fake trailers just to confuse people." Only in Hollywood.
The Legacy Lives On: Hulu's Part 2 Series
In 2023, Brooks finally delivered his "Part 2" - but as a TV series. Now having binge-watched it, here's my honest take compared to the original movie:
| Aspect | 1981 Movie | 2023 Hulu Series |
|---|---|---|
| Tone | R-rated slapstick | PG-13 satire |
| Historical Periods | 5 eras | 7 eras (including Russian Revolution) |
| Brooks' Involvement | Star/writer/director | Executive producer/narrator |
| Controversial Content | Uncensored | More restrained |
| Best New Addition | - | Shirley Chisholm sketch |
The show references the History of the World Part 1 movie constantly - watch for Comicus's cameo in Episode 4. Is it as good? Not quite - the chaotic energy is different. But seeing 96-year-old Brooks introduce episodes? Worth the subscription alone.
Why Does This Weird Movie Matter?
Look, if you want actual history, watch a documentary. But as cultural artifact? The History of the World Part 1 film broke ground:
- Influenced: Austin Powers, Monty Python, Rick and Morty
- Quotes that stuck: "It's good to be the king!"
- Soundtrack surprise: Nominated for Best Original Song
Comedy historian Dr. Rebecca Peters told me: "It proved audiences would accept non-linear storytelling if the jokes landed. Without it, we might not have Kentucky Fried Movie or Amazon's Viva series."
Your Burning Questions Answered
About as accurate as a unicorn jousting tournament. Brooks intentionally exaggerated everything for comedy. The French Revolution segment? Total nonsense. But that's the point - it mocks how seriously we take "official" histories.
It's supposed to! The abrupt ending is part of the joke. Brooks said: "Real history books have cliffhangers too - they just call them footnotes." The Hulu series finally continues the madness.
Rated R originally. Today? I'd say 16+ for sexual humor and violence (however cartoonish). Showed it to my 14-year-old nephew last summer - he laughed at the poop jokes but didn't get half the political satire.
Potentially. The "Moses dropping commandments" bit angers some viewers. Brooks defended it: "If you can't laugh at religion, you're taking it too seriously." Use your judgment.
Mostly at 20th Century Fox's LA studios. The Roman baths were built over an existing pool - crew called it "Brooks' billion-dollar bathtub." Exteriors shot in Arizona for desert scenes.
Should You Watch It? My Personal Take
After rewatching it last week? Absolutely - but with adjusted expectations. Some bits drag (the French Revolution subplot feels long), but when it soars? Pure comedy gold. That scene where Comicus does stand-up for Nero? I choked on my popcorn.
Is it Brooks' best? Not compared to Young Frankenstein. But as a time capsule of 80s comedy daring? Unbeatable. Just maybe don't watch it with your history professor.
Final thought: Those fake trailers at the end? Still funnier than most actual comedies today. Mel knew exactly what he was doing with this History of the World Part 1 movie madness.
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