By Meghan Doyle
Executive News Editor
There’s nothing better than a collection of Halloween thrills, black-and-white action scenes and mad science experiments, with a few jokes thrown in. There’s nothing better than Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein (1974).
Sporting an all-star cast led by Gene Wilder who plays Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced “Franken-steen”), Young Frankenstein follows the grandson of Dr. Victor von Frankenstein who has just inherited the late doctor’s castle.
Upon arrival, Frankenstein is met with a slew of unique personalities, including sidekick Igor (Marty Feldman) who is constantly denying his obvious humpback, assistant Inga (Teri Garr) who is really too pretty to be working in a laboratory and housekeeper Frau Blucher (Cloris Leachman) whose character is best defined by the fact that someone screams everytime her name is mentioned.
During his time in the castle, Frankenstein discovers his grandpa’s unfinished laboratory experiments and goes to work recreating his most complicated scheme. Eventually, with a dramatic flash of lightning, Frankenstein is able to bring the infamous monster (Peter Boyle) alive to ravage the nearby village.
Now don’t get too scared; this is still a comedy, and some things — well, most things — don’t turn out quite according to the traditional horror story plot. With unexpected twists and turns and hilarious character dynamics, this film is sure to break through the grayscale and fill your living room with unmatched liveliness.
However, although a timeless Halloween favorite, Young Frankenstein can be a little overwhelming with endless slapstick and over-the-top scenarios. Watching fantasy characters run around a candle-lit castle can get a little old.
Even still, Young Frankenstein should not be left off your Halloween to-watch list this year.
To get a glimpse of the clever comedy, check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sO3qJGKs9gw
Categories:
PHS Octoberfest: Young Frankenstein filled with horrific laughs
October 26, 2011
0