Gene Hackmanwas one of the most recognizable Hollywood actors of the 1970s, but while he played a wide range of roles,Young Frankensteinwas his only horror movie.Gene Hackman’s best moviesoften showcased his ability to play serious dramatic parts, like his character Harry Caul inThe Conversation. However, he was also interested in deconstructing movie genres, which led to some of his most memorable performances, like Little Bill Daggett in Clint Eastwood’s groundbreakingUnforgiven. While horror was one movie genre that Hackman did not touch, he made an exception forYoung Frankenstein.
Mel Brooks' 1974 movieYoung Frankensteinis the kind of classic horror-comedy that was popular in the 70s.Young Frankensteinis a spoof of Mary Shelley’s original science-fiction novel, and is full of slapstick comedy and witty one-liners, makingYoung Frankensteinstill quotable today. While there is a lot of competition forthe funniest characters in Mel Brooks movies, there are several contenders inYoung Frankenstein. The movie starred the screen legend Gene Wilder, who also co-wrote it, but Gene Hackman stole the show as one ofYoung Frankenstein’s most memorable characters.
Gene Hackman Appeared As The Blind Stranger In Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein
Gene Hackman’s Character Was A Drastic Change In His Career
In Mary Shelley’s novelFrankenstein, the monster meets a blind man, who treats him kindly before his family chases him away. InYoung Frankenstein, this character is played by Gene Hackman, and he is drastically different from the book character.Gene Hackman’s version of The Blind Stranger is extremely accident-prone, causing some hilarious slapstick moments. The Blind Stranger sets the monster on fire, pours hot soup into his lap, but tries to invite the fleeing monster back inside by promising him coffee. The role might have been small, but Gene Hackman stole the show in his rare comedic outing.
Gene Hackman had played some iconic roles throughout his extensive acting career.
Credited as one ofthe best actors of all time, Gene Hackman had played some iconic roles throughout his extensive acting career. That said, most were either extremely serious or thoroughly evil villains, and it was more common to see Hackman starring in an intense drama than a horror-comedy likeYoung Frankenstein.Hackman won the Academy Award for Best Actor in the neo-noirThe French Connection, and Best Supporting Actor for his role in the WesternUnforgiven. Still, while he was known for his intensity, Hackman occasionally took on funnier roles, like Royal O’Reilly Tenenbaum inThe Royal Tenenbaums.
Hackman Went Uncredited & Did The Role As A Favor To Mel Brooks & Gene Wilder
Gene Hackman’s Young Frankenstein Role Proved That He Should Have Done More Comedy
Gene Hackman and Gene Wilder regularly played tennis together, where Hackman reportedly told Wilder that he was looking to branch out from his more serious roles, hoping to try comedy. Some might have expected him to try a different strategy with his acting, butHackman played his role inYoung Frankensteinas seriously as any somber, dramatic production, and it made the part even funnier. As a favor to Wilder and Brooks, Hackman did not take credit for his role, and while he was only onscreen for around four minutes, he is one of the best parts of the movie.
Gene Hackman, 95, Dies Alongside Wife Betsy Arakawa, 63
Legendary actor Gene Hackman was found dead alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, in their New Mexico home during a welfare check. He was 95.
Gene Hackman’s hilarious line, “I was gonna make espresso!” was one of the funniest inYoung Frankenstein, and had been ad-libbed by Hackman himself. According toWhat Culture, it was such a funny moment that the cast and crew had to stop filming as they were laughing so hard. While horror was likely not Hackman’s favorite genre,Young Frankensteinwas decidedly more of a comedy than a real horror.Gene Hackman retired from actingdue to his health, but his slapstick skills and comic timing inYoung Frankensteinprove that he should have done more comedy in his career.
Young Frankenstein
Cast
Young Frankenstein is a comedic homage to classic horror films, directed by Mel Brooks. Released in 1974, it stars Gene Wilder as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, who inherits his infamous grandfather’s castle. Initially dismissive of his ancestor’s work, he later becomes intrigued by his experiments after discovering a hidden journal.
