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Now in our seventh calendar year! PCR #339. (Vol. 7, No. 38) This edition is for the week of September 18--24, 2006.
A GREAT CAUSE THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT THAT I'M OLD WHICH REMINDS ME BOO, I WANT MY MONEY BACK MY FAVORITE FILMS - CHAPTER 38
FIRST SEEN: Twin Bays 4, Tampa, Florida Coming off the huge success of "Blazing Saddles," Mel Brooks chose as his next project a script he had read while filming the comedic western, which had been written by Gene Wilder. Of course, Brooks added his own touches to the story and soon they began filming what is certainly the most authentic horror comedy ever made.
Featuring what would soon be director Brooks' cast of supporting actors, including Feldman, Leachman and Kahn, among others, the film tells the story of Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, grandson of the infamous scientist who brought to life dead tissue in the form of a monster. Trying his best to distance himself from the family (Frederick pronounces his last name Fronk-n-steen), the young doctor is tracked down and presented with the will of his recently departed granddad. Soon, surrounded by hump-backed servants and busty assistants, the urge to follow in his grandfather's footsteps soon grows. Using the actual laboratory set and props used in the classic 1931 film, "Frankenstein," the monster is soon brought to life. And the fun begins.
Beautifully shot in black and white, "Young Frankenstein" remains, in my opinion, Mel Brooks best film. The cast is outstanding, with Wilder giving what should have been an award worthy performance. As the mysterious Frau Bleucher, Cloris Leachman is hilarious. The rest of the cast is equally adept at drawing laughs consistently. Whether it's a crazy game of charades (sed a GIVE?!) or Garr's reaction when informed the monster will be quite endowed (Voof!), the punch lines and sight gags hit their mark every time. And yes, that IS Gene Hackman as the blind man the monster visits one night.
Next week, Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette head for LA in "True Romance".
Well, that's all for now. Have a great week. See ya!
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