The parody film has been around for some time, with the first being 1905’s The Little Train Robbery, spoofing the popular 1903 film The Great Train Robbery, but with an all children cast.

Someone who made the genre into an art however was Mel Brooks, who made a career out of it. This parody of the horror genre was pretty early on in his career, released in 1974, the same year as his Blazing Saddles, both of which celebrate their 50th anniversary this year, with Young Frankenstein getting another opportunity to give audiences the giggles on the big screen.

Working as a lecturing physician is Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (Gene Wilder). And yes, before you ask, he is related to that Frankenstein, but he considers his grandfather’s ideas to be on the loopy side and doesn’t want to be associated with him.

Then one day he is informed that he has inherited his grandfather’s estate, and he’s intrigued enough to make the trip to Transylvania, where he is met by the estate’s servant Igor (Marty Feldman) and assistant Inga (Terri Garr).

Although he debunks his grandfather’s theories, he’s still intrigued by them, and becomes even more so when he discovers his personal library. It’s there that he finds that there may well be substance to his findings, but can he really bring a man back from the dead?

It’s kind of ironic how this film, with its black and white presentation and homage to old Hollywood horror films, now very much looks the part of an old horror flick now that it’s 50 years old, which Brooks is bound to appreciate.

And it does come across as more of a homage than an all out comedy, with a style of comedy that wasn’t exactly sophisticated at the time, never mind now, so does feel dated in places. In fairness it’s something that comedies suffer from more than dramas do, in standing the test of time, but there’s still enough here to put a smile on your face. Mostly due to Feldman, who clearly wasn’t taking it all that seriously, but his silliness, as is the film’s, is infectious.

It also features a wonderful scene featuring Gene Hackman in a rare comedic part, which he nails like a pro.

And then there’s Wilder, who plays the part with utmost sincerity, which offers the most comedic effect.

The film is so beloved that it has been added to the Library of Congress National Registry, despite Brooks himself adding that it’s not one of his funniest, but possibly one of his finest. And you have to agree, with the level that Brooks takes the parody of the genre, which is from a place of affection, that it is beautifully told.

For a 50 year old film, this one certainly deserves being brought back from the dead to charm audiences once again.