History of the World -- Part I

History of the World -- Part I (1981)

  • 62% of critics liked it
    (26 reviews)

  • 79% of users liked it
    (58,387 ratings)

Mel Brooks produced, directed, wrote, and starred in this episodic comedy in the spirit of Monty Python and the 1957 studio travesty The Story of Mankind. The film is divided into five sequences that play like blue-toned Eddie Cantor vaudeville sketches -- "The Dawn of Man," "The Stone Age," The… More

R, 1 hr. 32 min.
Directed By
Mel Brooks
Written By
Mel Brooks
Genres
Comedy
In Theaters
Jan 1, 1981 Wide
On DVD
Oct 5, 1999

Critic Reviews

  • Charles Cassady, Common Sense Media

    Dirty jokes, some sparkle in uneven Mel Brooks classic.

  • Sarah Boslaugh, Playback:stl

    Sometimes it's funny, sometimes it bombs, but at least Brooks keeps things moving so you're not stuck too long with any particular bit.

  • Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid

    Hearing some of those old, beloved one-liners again made me smile, but they did not have the power to make me laugh anew.

  • Christian Toto, What Would Toto Watch?

    Brooks' fractured History is salvaged by the tuneful 'Inquisition.'

  • James Plath, Movie Metropolis

    As sketch comedy goes, Mel Brooks' History of the World: Part I isn't bad. But it also isn't up to the level of his best work.

Read all 10 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Jeff "


    An underrated Mel Brooks gem, The History of the World-Part 1 is a hilarious film. Mel Brooks delivers yet another great film. The History of the World-Part 1 is a crude, offensive comedy, but it works. The film has all the ingredients that make up a great Mel Brooks comedy. This film… More

  • AJ V


    What was Brooks thinking with this movie? It's not funny, all the jokes are stupid, and there's not really a story (not that one I can recall anyway.). I hated this movie.

  • Tim S


    Funny, funny stuff. Way ahead of any time, this highly and irreverent entry is Brooks at his best. A true classic!

  • Spencer S


    Another corny Brooks facade, the only half of the two parter is only slightly accuracte, funny as ever, and the musical numbers (including the Spanish Inquisition) are quite enjoyable.

  • Anthony L


    Not Brook?s best but certainly not his worst. Dom DeLuise and Gregory Hines are great!

Read all 20 featured audience ratings

Cast

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