| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Mel Brooks | ... | ||
| Dom DeLuise | ... | ||
| Madeline Kahn | ... | ||
| Harvey Korman | ... | ||
| Cloris Leachman | ... | ||
| Ron Carey | ... | ||
| Gregory Hines | ... | ||
| Pamela Stephenson | ... | ||
| Shecky Greene | ... | ||
| Sid Caesar | ... | ||
| Mary-Margaret Humes | ... | ||
| Orson Welles | ... |
Narrator
(voice)
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Rudy De Luca | ... |
Prehistoric Man /
Captain Mucus - The Roman Empire
(as Rudy DeLuca)
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Leigh French | ... |
Prehistoric Woman
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Richard Karron | ... | |
From the dawn of man to the distant future, mankind's evolution (or lack thereof) is traced. Often ridiculous but never serious, we learn the truth behind the Roman Emperor, we learn what REALLY happened at the Last Supper, the circumstances that surrounded the French Revolution, how to test eunuchs, and what kind of shoes the Spanish Inquisitor wore. Written by Murray Chapman <muzzle@cs.uq.oz.au>
Although it is aged around the edges, History of the World is one of my favorite comedies. Admittedly, I have a good 100 in my "favorites" list, but HotW is definitely in the top 25. It is pure enjoyment and while sometimes raucous, it is never raunchy. Tactless, but never dumbed down, and that makes for the best kind of comedy.
In true Brooks fashion, this work takes you from a parody of life to a satirical pop-culture vehicle. Unfortunately, the many late 1970's pop-culture references throughout the dialog is what dates this work. Otherwise, it would still be fresh, today.
Led by Mel Brooks's polished stylized direction, this work is not only hilarious, but is clever in its irony. It never takes itself too seriously, and delivers with every scene.
If you liked Wholly Moses, you will LOVE this!
It rates a 6.4/10 from...
the Fiend :.