Mel Brooks brings his one-of-a-kind comic touch to the history of mankind covering events from the Old Testament to the French Revolution in a series of episodic comedy vignettes.Mel Brooks brings his one-of-a-kind comic touch to the history of mankind covering events from the Old Testament to the French Revolution in a series of episodic comedy vignettes.Mel Brooks brings his one-of-a-kind comic touch to the history of mankind covering events from the Old Testament to the French Revolution in a series of episodic comedy vignettes.
- Awards
- 1 win & 1 nomination
Orson Welles
- Narrator
- (voice)
Rudy De Luca
- Prehistoric Man
- (as Rudy DeLuca)
- …
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaBeforehand, it was agreed that Orson Welles would receive $5,000 per day in exchange for his services. Figuring that he'd have to spend five eight-hour days recording and re-recording these lines with Welles, Mel Brooks paid him $25,000 up front. But by noon on the first day, Welles had recorded his lines to perfection. "Oh, my god, I could've paid you $5,000", Brooks lamented. After kicking himself for a few minutes, the funnyman asked Welles how he planned to spend the bounty. "Cuban cigars and Sevruga caviar", Welles replied.
- GoofsIn the beginning of the Roman Empire Segment, one of the running jokes was the use of a V in place of a U. It seems that great care was taken to do this on every sign. Except the Annual Orgy sign which has two Us on it that were not changed to Vs. U's are also visible on the "Equal Opportunity Employer" sign at the Unemployment Office.
- Crazy creditsVESTAL VIRGINS Portrayed by Playboy Playmates and Models
- Alternate versionsThe German TV version is missing the "Hitler on Ice" segment during the finale. Also, there is a small bit missing in the stone age segment, showing the invention of art (wall painting), and the first critic taking a leak on the masterpiece.
- ConnectionsEdited from The Vikings (1958)
- SoundtracksThe Inquisition
Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks and Ronny Graham
Performed by Mel Brooks, Jackie Mason, and Ronny Graham
Original Music and Lyrics © 1981 Brooksfilms Music Limited
Featured review
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 :.
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 :.
- FiendishDramaturgy
- Mar 2, 2006
- Permalink
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Details
Box office
- Budget
- $11,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $31,672,907
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $4,792,731
- Jun 14, 1981
- Gross worldwide
- $31,672,907
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