History of the World: Part I
1981 · Movie · R · 92 min · ★ 6.8 · 54% critics
A fast-moving sketch comedy races through famous moments in world history, taking aim at everything from ancient empires to revolutions and inquisitions. It’s an irreverent, anything-goes parody that mixes broad slapstick, musical bits, and plenty of naughty jokes while reminding you not to treat any of it as a lesson.
Also known as History of the World Part I · History of the World Part I (1981)
Where to watch
Not currently available to stream in the US.
2 hours to watch.
Not currently available to stream, rent, or buy in the US.
Streaming availability and prices may be inaccurate or change — verify with the provider before subscribing.
unSUB's subscription recommendations are informational only, not financial advice.
More value for your money
Similar titles, ranked by watch-hours per subscription dollar.
Details
- Years
- 1981
- Release date
- 1981-06-12
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
- Runtime
- 92 min
- Critic score
- 54/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.8/10 (911 votes)
About
You’ll likely enjoy this if you want an irreverent, sketchy history parody with raunchy humor and hit-or-miss gags, in the same spirit as Mallrats; Not for you if you prefer tight plots or more restrained comedy.
Pros: rapid-fire historical spoofs; big silly laughs; memorable musical number | Cons: uneven sketch quality; some jokes cringe; loose, disjointed flow
Themes
- moses
- roman empire
- inquisition
- french revolution
- musical
- stone age
- satire
- anthology
- prehistory
- cavemen
- 18th century
- louis xvi
- +6 more
Cast & crew
Mel Brooks
as Moses / Comicus / Torquemada / Jacques / King Louis XVI
Dom DeLuise
as Emperor Nero
Madeline Kahn
as Empress Nympho
Harvey Korman
as Count de Monet
Cloris Leachman
as Madame Defarge
Ron Carey
as Swiftus
Gregory Hines
as Josephus
Pamela Stephenson
as Mademoiselle Rimbaud
Shecky Greene
as Marcus Vindictus
Sid Caesar
as Chief Caveman
Directed by Mel Brooks