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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Anne Billson

Mel Brooks turns 99: the comedy icon’s best films – ranked!

Mel Brooks Gene Wilder Anxiety
film still from spaceballs
Spaceballs strikes back … George Wyner, Rick Moranis and Mel Brooks. Photograph: Everett Collection Inc/Alamy

10. History of the World: Part I (1981)

“It’s good to be the king.” Brooks mixes sight gags, dad jokes and Borscht Belt standup in historical vignettes from the stone age to the French Revolution. Results are hit and miss, and the ancient Rome segment goes on for ever, but the tasteless Torquemada musical number is a scream.

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