Young Frankenstein (1974)
Director: Mel Brooks
Writers: Mary Shelly, Gene Wilder, Mel Brooks
Main Actors: Gene Wilder, Peter Boyle, Marty Feldman
Ruckas, Insainly funny Mel Brooks
comedy thats is utterly enjoyable to watch. Mel Brooks and
Gene Wilder spoof Mary Shelley's infamous novel Frankenstein
like no two other people. Amazingly this movie came out the same
year as "Blazing Saddles". It contains the usual
Mel Brooks' dance number
and enough sexual inuendoes to fill a hat.. One
suprising thing is that Mel Brooks was actually not in
this movie which became the staple of
his later movies along with the previously mentioned
dance number. What can I say, but it is a must see.
Support Your Local Sheriff (1969)
Director: Burt Kennedy
Writers: William Bowers
Main Actor: James Garner
This movie gives Blazing Saddles a run for its money for the best western parody. I think this movie wins as a western parody because it has more of the west in it. At the least it has more of the Hollywood version of the old west in it. This is just a plain funny film. Basically it is about a slick outsider who has the reigns of sheriffdom (probably not a word) thrust upon him. He then outwits the bad guys in very imaginative ways. James Garner is perfect in the role of the sheriff and the supporting cast is excellent. Watch this movie. You will laugh.
M*A*S*H (1970)
Director: Robert Altman
Writers: Richard Hooker, Ring Lardner Jr.
Main Actors: Donald Sutherland, Elliot Gould, Tom Skerritt, Sally Kellerman, Robert Duvall
The same name as the TV show but not quite the same. This is a great dark comedy about a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War similar to Catch-22. Both of which were based on novels. It is much darker than the tv show and when you hear the actual words to the theme song you will not think of it in the same way again. Lets just say they could not air it every week on a network show. The only actor to make the leap from the movie to the show was good old Radar O'Reilly (Burghoff). I do not think he ever ages. It has just about everything. It even has the craziest football game you will ever see. There are numerous schemes and just plane craziness that take place. Even if you did not like the show itself you might like this movie. I sure do, but I also like the show.
Blazing Saddles (1974)
Director: Mel Brooks
Writers: Andrew Bergman, Mel Brooks, Richard Pryor, Norman Steinberg, Alan Uger
Main Actors: Cleavon Little, Gene Wilder
The movie that introduced public flatulence to the big screen for the first time which amazingly was a trivial pursuit question. But I do not think that that is the only great characteristic of this movie. This movie is about a new and lets say interesting sheriff that is sent to help get the people of Rock Ridge out from under the evil Attorney General who is looking to buy up all the land before the railroad gets there. That does not really describe this movie either. Maybe insanity would be the best way to describe it. Just fun. I have watched it many times, and I am still finding new little jokes hidden away in the quick witty dialoge that transpires. The characters are rich as any Mel Brooks creations, and Mel plays the slow witted governor himself. It is among the greats.
The Mouse that Roared (1959)
Director: Jack Arnold
Writers: Roger MacDougall, Stanley Mann III, Leanard Wibberley
Main Actors: Peter Sellers
A quaint little satire about the Cold War (more particularly the Marshall Plan). Basically the smallest backwater nation in the world declares war on the United States, and I will not tell you how that plays out. Well lets just say that arrows were involved. Peter Sellers is magnificent in three different characters. I think this is his funniest movie. I personally think it is far overlooked in the comedy world. If you just want a little thouroughly enjoyable move rent this one especially if you know some post World War 2 history. I can not really think of any other words to describe this movie. You will just have to see it.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Director: Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones
Writers: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gillam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin
Main Actors: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gillam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin
Pure unadulterated insanity is the only way to describe this movie. What can I say it is funny. Basically it is about the Knights of the Round Table and their search for the Holy Grail with many insane obstacles and misadventures. I probably should not gain pleasure from watching it but I do. And you will too. Of coures it is brought to you by the minds of the Monty Python crew, so what can you expect. I an still not sure if a swallow can carry a coconut
Local Hero (1983)
Director: Bill Forsyth
Writers: Bill Forsyth
Main Actors: Burt Lancaster, Peter Rieger
Probably the most laid back comedy on my list and by far the most heart warming. It is about a man who is sent to a little village in Scotland with the purpose of taking it over for an oil refinery. Burt Lancaster plays an eccentic oil tycoon who sends Bill Forsyth ( better know as Boon in "Animal House") to take over the town. Strangely the poor town people like this because they want the money. Well things happen and well watch the movie. One of my favorite films. The filmtography is wonderful in a quiant little sea side Scottish way. The characters are rich and real and you will fall in love with this movie.
Email Me Personally