Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein isn’t only one of the greatest comedies ever, is also one of the greatest affectionate tribute films to classic horror. Every joke, every dark corner, and every lightning bolt had been constructed upon a platform of sincere admiration for the 1930s horror classics that inspired it. But the magic really was behind the scenes. These are 10 of the greatest behind-the-scenes stories from making this comedy-horror classic.
10. A Love Letter to 1930s Horror
Brooks didn’t parody Frankenstein—he recreated it with fanatical accuracy. The movie was filmed in black and white, with genuinely period-style credits, transitions, and even a score lifted straight out of the Universal horror period. Cinematographer Gerald Hirschfeld was initially hesitant, but soon realized that monochrome was the only means of capturing the dark, gothic atmosphere of the originals. The filmmakers reexamined Frankenstein (1931) and Bride of Frankenstein (1935) to the lighting arrangements, with high-contrast film and atmospheric backlighting to recreate the ideal period look. As Hirschfeld described, “The black-and-white not only seemed right, it enhanced the mood.”
9. The Monster Finds His Bride
Peter Boyle met his bride on location—still in full monster makeup. Rolling Stone journalist Loraine Alterman came on the set to interview Mel Brooks, and Boyle, bolts and all, invited her out. She accepted. The two were married in 1977 and remained together until Boyle passed away, showing even a sewn-together monster could have a happily ever after.
8. Cloris Leachman Couldn’t Stop Cracking Gene Wilder Up
As Frau Blücher (cue the horses), Cloris Leachman was a comedic powerhouse. During the candlelit staircase scene—where she admonishes, “Stay close to the candles, the staircase can be treacherous”—Wilder couldn’t keep a straight face. They managed to get it right in about 15 takes, and Leachman went on to relate her antics, “just tickled Gene to pieces” during filming.
7. The “Puttin’ on the Ritz” Showdown
The top-hat-and-tails dance number in which Dr. Frankenstein and the Monster do “Puttin’ on the Ritz” nearly didn’t get made. Wilder fought to include it, deeming it crucial to the comedy of the film, but Brooks was skeptical. It was the sole true creative disagreement between them—but Wilder won out. The routine ended up as one of the most memorable moments in the film.
6. White Handkerchiefs Against the Giggles
The movie was so hilarious that even the crew members couldn’t keep their cool. Brooks had an idea: issue white handkerchiefs and ask crew members to stuff them in their mouths so that they could stifle their laughs. Extras for the “Puttin’ on the Ritz” number received a tongue-in-cheek threat—anyone caught laughing would be “arrested.” The result? Whispered guffaws and a good number of teary-eyed crew members struggling to keep their cool.
5. Gene Hackman’s Espresso Surprise
Gene Hackman’s blind hermit cameo began on the tennis court. Playing a friendly game with Wilder, Hackman said he wished to attempt comedy. Wilder recommended the part, and Hackman took off with it—ad-libbing the now-famous line, “Where are you going? I was going to make espresso.” Not terrible for a man best known for intense dramas.
4. Borrowing the Real Frankenstein Lab Equipment
To get the mad scientist’s laboratory realistic, Brooks and production designer Dale Hennesy found Kenneth Strickfaden, the individual who constructed the original electrical devices in Frankenstein (1931). Strickfaden still had them in his garage and, incredibly, they worked flawlessly after 40 years. Brooks leased them and, at last, accorded Strickfaden the screen credit never enjoyed by the originals.
3. The Battle to Remain Black and White
Columbia Pictures adored the script—until they viewed Brooks’ vision for a black-and-white release. “Peru just got color!” they complained. Brooks held firm, so he brought the project to 20th Century Fox, where Alan Ladd Jr. was willing to respect the vision. That move is now regarded as the key to the film’s timelessness.
2. The $57 Origin Story
Young Frankenstein started on a piece of paper with a small budget. Brooks witnessed Wilder jotting down “Young Frankenstein” on a legal pad while filming Blazing Saddles. Wilder sold the concept and then gave Brooks $57 after being asked if he had money to do it. Brooks said, “It’s a start.” And that was the genesis of one of the greatest comedies in film history.
1. Why It Endures
Years later, Young Frankenstein is more than a spoof—it’s a loving homage to the monster films that created a genre. Brooks and Wilder crafted a comedy that adored its original as much as it mocked it, mixing slapstick, snappy dialogue, and period-accurate presentation. The movie’s impact continues on stage productions, TV specials, and countless home viewings. For some, it’s the only comedy that improves with age.