History of the World: Part I 1981

In this uproarious spoof of legendary films, History of the World, Part I takes the audience on a comedic journey across four distinct historical eras, each marked by whimsical and irreverent sketches. The adventure kicks off in the Stone Age, where early humans, including the incomparable Sid Caesar, spark remarkable inventions like fire, art, music, and even early forms of humor and critique. Witness the dawn of civilization unfold through their rudimentary weapons, marriage customs, and the world’s first funeral rites.

The action then catapults into ancient Egypt, where Moses, portrayed by Mel Brooks, returns from a divine meeting on Mount Sinai intent on sharing the Law. In a moment of excitement, he accidentally drops one of the stone tablets, leading to a rapid revision from 15 Commandments to the now-familiar 10.

Next, we meet Comicus, also played by Mel Brooks, a philosopher turned stand-up comic who is called upon by his flamboyant agent, Ron Carey, to perform at the grand Caesar’s palace. During his journey, he encounters Miriam (Mary-Margaret Humes), a captivating Vestal Virgin who captures his heart, along with Josephus, portrayed by Gregory Hines, an Ethiopian slave who quickly becomes his loyal companion.

As Comicus grapples with the intricacies of Roman politics, he finds himself amid the pompous Emperor Nero, humorously embodied by Dom DeLuise. Nero’s inflated ego and corrupt nature offer endless comedic material. However, when Josephus mistakenly prompts an order for them to engage in a life-and-death gladiatorial bout, the two must rely on their wit and cleverness to escape the palace’s grasp, dodging the menacing Marcus Vindictus, played by Shecky Greene, and his soldiers.

Seeking sanctuary, the trio takes refuge in the palace of Empress Nympho, portrayed by Madeline Kahn, disguising themselves as eunuch guards. Yet, their cover is nearly blown when Josephus’s apparent desire gives away their identities, leading to an uproarious chase through the palace. They finally make their break aboard a horse-drawn cart, obscured by the haze of an enormous marijuana joint that leaves their pursuers in a state of bewildered stupor.

As Comicus navigates the turbulent landscape of Judea, he inadvertently stumbles upon a gathering that includes Jesus (John Hurt) and his disciples during their intimate dinner party. The clumsy waiter, with his frequent interruptions and unintended humor, disrupts the solemnity of the Last Supper, all while Leonardo da Vinci (Art Metrano) strives to creatively capture the scene for posterity.

In a dazzling sequence that parodies classic Busby Berkeley choreography, Mel Brooks takes the stage as Torquemada, presenting a lavish song-and-dance routine that defies all conventions of good taste. The sequence kicks off with a herald announcing the infamous inquisitor, while the condemned plead for clemency: > “you can’t Torquemada anything.” The comedic mayhem follows with a series of absurd tortures, including a spinning iron maiden and nuns performing water ballet in an Esther Williams-inspired spectacle. Hilarious cameos from Jackie Mason and Ronny Graham further enrich the scene, as they portray Jewish characters facing absurd tortures.

Transitioning to a Parisian tavern, Madame Defarge, played by Cloris Leachman, stirs the pot of rebellion, rallying others to drive the French Revolution. Meanwhile, King Louis, again embodied by Mel Brooks, remains blissfully unaware of the peasants’ perceptions despite the warnings from his advisers, Count de Monet (played by Harvey Korman) and Béarnaise (Andreas Voutsinas). His obliviousness is made sharper by his absurd pleasure of using peasants as targets in a skeet shooting game. The lovely Mademoiselle Rimbaud, portrayed by Pamela Stephenson, approaches King Louis to plead for the release of her father, who has languished in the Bastille for a decade. In exchange for her request, the king demands a romantic rendezvous that evening.

With the help of Count de Monet, the king goes into hiding, and a look-alike named Jacques is picked as his decoy, notably portrayed by Mel Brooks, who is usually found holding buckets for the aristocrats. That fateful night, Mademoiselle Rimbaud arrives at “King” Jacques’s chambers, unaware that he is not the real monarch. To her surprise, he grants her father’s freedom without the expected romantic strings attached.

Just as the peasants burst in to arrest Jacques, taking him off to the guillotine, Rimbaud exclaims in distress that “only a miracle can save him,” when, just then, Josephus arrives in a cart drawn by a miraculous force, leading to their daring escape headed towards a mountain marked with the words “THE END.”

As the story draws to a close, Mel Brooks humorously introduces an imaginary trailer for his anticipated sequel, History of the World, Part II. This teaser is a whirlwind of absurdity and humor, showcasing ridiculous scenes from segments like “Hitler on Ice,” where the infamous dictator trades his military attire for ice skates; “A Viking Funeral,” a raucous send-off that flouts all conventions; and “Jews in Space,” a comical twist placing Jewish characters in a galaxy inspired by Star Wars.