6 — History of the World, Part I (1981)

Sketch comedy is often broad, and also often hit-or-miss. Mel Brooks comedy i also often broad and often hit-or-miss, so it’s kind of surprising that Brooks only directed one sketch movie.

For History of the World, Part I, the name was part of the bit — the film features an assortment of sketches set during history. Brooks and his cast of characters get to play a few notable figures, and perform fun musical numbers.

The sketch nature of the film sevbes the shaggy nature of the project, and it’s fun to see Brooks swinging for the fences and enjoying some creative freedom after his most successful decade.