Enterprising and enjoyable

Rating: 8/10 (25 January 2005)

While Zero Mostel is the lead, Gene Wilder is the star.
This is a clever and slick production featuring two very unlikely comedic forces which work magically together. The chemistry created by these two stellar personages is undeniable and extremely entertaining.
While this production is horribly dated, it almost seems timeless. You get the impression that it was made as a modern production and merely set back in a distant period.
This is a very endearing venture which never fails to amuse in its crass and crude content, which presents itself as elegance personified.
Although this attempt failed miserably upon its initial release (a $112K return from a $941K estimated budget) this is some of Mel Brooks' best work to date. Topped, in my opinion, only by "Young Frankenstein," I'm happy to see it running on Broadway, in London, and it is being given a new treatment due out later this year (2005). It's way overdue.
This is a classic and rates an 8.3/10 from...
the Fiend :.