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| Boilerpipe Text | Common Sense Media Review
age 12+
Brooks' corniness still yields plenty of belly laughs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
(15)
(30)
age 11+
Based on 15 parent reviews
age 11+
Based on 30 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a hilarious spoof that combines comedic elements with classic horror themes, featuring the brilliant performances of Gene Wilder and an array of innuendos and slapstick humor. However, while it entertains with its clever jokes and humor, it includes mature content such as sexual references and profanity, making it unsuitable for very young audiences.
witty humor
inappropriate content
language issues
funny performances
older kids recommended
classic parody
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
After denouncing his grandfather's work as "doo doo," YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, also known as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (
Gene Wilder
), receives word that he's inherited his famous ancestor's Transylvanian castle. There, with the help of his lab assistant Inga (
Teri Garr
) and pop-eyed hunchback Igor (
Marty Feldman
), he discovers a secret library containing his grandfather Victor's notes on how to bring the dead to life. The temptation is too great to pass up. In the renowned Frankenstein laboratory, young Frederick creates his own monster (
Peter Boyle
) and harnesses the power of an electrical storm to bring him to life.
Is It Any Good?
Our review:
The gags might be lame, and the script is almost infantile, but if you thought this film was funny in 1974, you're just as likely to get a kick out of it today. There's an unembarrassed corniness about
Young Frankenstein
that generates plenty of belly laughs. The monster's "Puttin' on the Ritz" number will even squeeze smiles out of those not inclined toward Brooks' brand of humor.
The vaguely smutty jokes and sight gags will go over well with the teen crowd, but the comic talents at work here will appeal to all ages.
Marty Feldman
,
Teri Garr
,
Madeline Kahn
,
Cloris Leachman
, and
Gene Hackman
comprise a comedy's dream cast.
Peter Boyle
brings an unexpected touch of dignity to the monster, and
Gene Wilder
is as charming and manic as he was in
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
.
Mel Brooks
fans will rejoice at the re-release of one of his funniest films.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about parody: is
Young Frankenstein
seemingly patterned after old horror films? How does it differ? Beneath the obvious ridiculing of old horror films, do you detect any sort of fondness for the genre?
What are your thoughts on the scene in which Frankenstein's monster pins down Madeline Kahn's character and seemingly forces her to have sex with him? Would a scene like this be in a contemporary comedy?
What are some of the ways in which the humor of the movie has held up, and where does it seem dated?
How do the characters in
Young Frankenstein
demonstrate
compassion
? Why is this an important
character strength
?
Movie Details
In theaters
:
December 15, 1974
On DVD or streaming
:
September 5, 2006
Cast
:
Gene Wilder
,
Madeline Kahn
,
Marty Feldman
,
Peter Boyle
Director
:
Mel Brooks
Studio
:
Twentieth Century Fox
Genre
:
Comedy
Topics
:
Book Characters
,
Fantasy
Character Strengths
:
Compassion
Run time
:
105 minutes
MPAA rating
:
PG
MPAA explanation
:
parental guidance suggested
Last updated
:
October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by |
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# Parents' Guide to Young Frankenstein
Movie PG 1974 105 minutes
Save

- [Common Sense Says](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/young-frankenstein#tab-308fce5b-e2c7-4b1f-b3db-b206742f3c560)
- [Parents Say 15 Reviews](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/young-frankenstein#tab-308fce5b-e2c7-4b1f-b3db-b206742f3c561)
- [Kids Say 30 Reviews](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/young-frankenstein#tab-308fce5b-e2c7-4b1f-b3db-b206742f3c562)
### Common Sense Media Review
By **[Scott G. Mignola](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/bio/scott-g-mignola)** , based on child development research. [How do we rate?](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/about-us/our-mission/about-our-ratings)
age 12+
Brooks' corniness still yields plenty of belly laughs.
## Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that *Young Frankenstein* is a 1974 [Mel Brooks](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Mel%20Brooks) movie that parodies the timeless monster story. Like all of Mel Brooks' movies, there is plenty of sexual innuendo here -- references to "a roll in the hay," "knockers," and the use of a German word that clearly…
## Why Age 12+?
Language
Some profanity: "son of a bitch," "s--t," "bastard," "goddamn." A woman uses a G
Sex, Romance & Nudity
Bawdy humor and sexual innuendo. Frankenstein's monster forces what is at first
Violence & Scariness
Mostly over-the-top and comedic pratfall violence. Frankenstein accidentally sta
Drinking, Drugs & Smoking
Cigar and cigarette smoking. Wine drinking at dinner. A police officer makes ref
Products & Purchases Not present
## Any Positive Content?
Positive Messages
Characters learn and demonstrate compassion.
Positive Role Models
Too parodic and over-the-top for any real positive role models. Characters are s
- ### Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that *Young Frankenstein* is a 1974 [Mel Brooks](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Mel%20Brooks) movie that parodies the timeless monster story. Like all of Mel Brooks' movies, there is plenty of sexual innuendo here -- references to "a roll in the hay," "knockers," and the use of a German word that clearly means "penis." There is one scene in which Frankenstein's monster forces himself on Madeline Kahn's character in a way that could be interpreted as nonconsensual sex. However, it becomes consensual when she sees his penis and her pleasure is obvious when she starts to sing in an operatic voice. There is some profanity: "s--t," "bitch." There is also some comedic pratfall violence, as well as a scene in which a man is choked to death.
To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly [Family Movie Night emails](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/newsletters) .
- ### Language
some
Some profanity: "son of a bitch," "s--t," "bastard," "goddamn." A woman uses a German word that obviously translates to "penis." Sex jokes. Reference to a "roll in the hay." A joke based on the "bags" slang term for women.
**Did you know you can flag iffy content?** Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.
[Get started](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews)
Close
- ### Sex, Romance & Nudity
some
Bawdy humor and sexual innuendo. Frankenstein's monster forces what is at first nonconsensual sex on one of the female characters that becomes consensual when she presumably sees the size of his penis. References to "a roll in the hay," as well as "knockers."
**Did you know you can flag iffy content?** Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.
[Get started](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews)
Close
- ### Violence & Scariness
a little
Mostly over-the-top and comedic pratfall violence. Frankenstein accidentally stabs himself in the thigh with a scalpel. A man is choked to death by Frankenstein's monster. Frankenstein's monster forces himself on a woman who initially refuses his advances but consents to sex once she sees his penis.
**Did you know you can flag iffy content?** Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.
[Get started](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews)
Close
- ### Drinking, Drugs & Smoking
very little
Cigar and cigarette smoking. Wine drinking at dinner. A police officer makes reference to taking a "nip from the old bottle."
**Did you know you can flag iffy content?** Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.
[Get started](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews)
Close
- ### Positive Messages
some
Characters learn and demonstrate compassion.
- ### Positive Role Models
very little
Too parodic and over-the-top for any real positive role models. Characters are stereotyped exaggerations.
## Where to Watch
## Videos and Photos
- 
- 
- 
- 
Young Frankenstein
- 
- 
- 
- 
Young Frankenstein
- 
- 
### Young Frankenstein
## Parent and Kid Reviews
[See all](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/young-frankenstein/user-reviews/adult)
- [Parents Say (15)](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/young-frankenstein#tab-b6110b5e-5696-404e-861f-d280ca3fd4b50)
- [Kids Say (30)](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/young-frankenstein#tab-b6110b5e-5696-404e-861f-d280ca3fd4b51)
age 11+
Based on 15 parent reviews
![]()
###
![]()
###
[See all 15 parent reviews](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/young-frankenstein/user-reviews/adult)
age 11+
Based on 30 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a hilarious spoof that combines comedic elements with classic horror themes, featuring the brilliant performances of Gene Wilder and an array of innuendos and slapstick humor. However, while it entertains with its clever jokes and humor, it includes mature content such as sexual references and profanity, making it unsuitable for very young audiences.
- witty humor
- inappropriate content
- language issues
- funny performances
- older kids recommended
- classic parody
#####  Summarized with AI
![]()
###
![]()
###
[See all 30 kid reviews](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/young-frankenstein/user-reviews/child)
## What's the Story?
After denouncing his grandfather's work as "doo doo," YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, also known as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein ([Gene Wilder](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Gene%20Wilder "Gene Wilder")), receives word that he's inherited his famous ancestor's Transylvanian castle. There, with the help of his lab assistant Inga ([Teri Garr](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/teri%20garr "Teri Garr")) and pop-eyed hunchback Igor ([Marty Feldman](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Marty%20Feldman "Marty Feldman")), he discovers a secret library containing his grandfather Victor's notes on how to bring the dead to life. The temptation is too great to pass up. In the renowned Frankenstein laboratory, young Frederick creates his own monster ([Peter Boyle](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Peter%20Boyle "Peter Boyle")) and harnesses the power of an electrical storm to bring him to life.
Show more
## Is It Any Good?
**Our review:**
**Parents say** ( [15 Parent Reviews](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/young-frankenstein/user-reviews/adult) ):
**Kids say** ( [30 Kid Reviews](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/young-frankenstein/user-reviews/child) ):
The gags might be lame, and the script is almost infantile, but if you thought this film was funny in 1974, you're just as likely to get a kick out of it today. There's an unembarrassed corniness about *Young Frankenstein* that generates plenty of belly laughs. The monster's "Puttin' on the Ritz" number will even squeeze smiles out of those not inclined toward Brooks' brand of humor.
The vaguely smutty jokes and sight gags will go over well with the teen crowd, but the comic talents at work here will appeal to all ages. [Marty Feldman](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Marty%20Feldman "Marty Feldman"), [Teri Garr](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/teri%20garr "Teri Garr"), [Madeline Kahn](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Madeline%20Kahn "Madeline Kahn"), [Cloris Leachman](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Cloris%20Leachman "Cloris Leachman"), and [Gene Hackman](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Gene%20Hackman "Gene Hackman") comprise a comedy's dream cast. [Peter Boyle](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Peter%20Boyle "Peter Boyle ") brings an unexpected touch of dignity to the monster, and [Gene Wilder](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Gene%20Wilder "Gene Wilder") is as charming and manic as he was in [*Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory*](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/willy-wonka-the-chocolate-factory). [Mel Brooks](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Mel%20Brooks "Mel Brooks") fans will rejoice at the re-release of one of his funniest films.
Show more
## Talk to Your Kids About ...
- Families can talk about parody: is *Young Frankenstein* seemingly patterned after old horror films? How does it differ? Beneath the obvious ridiculing of old horror films, do you detect any sort of fondness for the genre?
- What are your thoughts on the scene in which Frankenstein's monster pins down Madeline Kahn's character and seemingly forces her to have sex with him? Would a scene like this be in a contemporary comedy?
- What are some of the ways in which the humor of the movie has held up, and where does it seem dated?
- How do the characters in *Young Frankenstein* demonstrate [compassion](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/what-is-compassion)? Why is this an important [character strength](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/life-skills)?
Show more
## Movie Details
- **In theaters** : December 15, 1974
- **On DVD or streaming** : September 5, 2006
- **Cast** : [Gene Wilder](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Gene%20Wilder) , [Madeline Kahn](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Madeline%20Kahn) , [Marty Feldman](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Marty%20Feldman) , [Peter Boyle](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Peter%20Boyle)
- **Director** : [Mel Brooks](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Mel%20Brooks)
- **Studio** : [Twentieth Century Fox](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/category/movie/studio/twentieth-century-fox-28481)
- **Genre** : [Comedy](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/category/movie/genre/comedy-75)
- **Topics** : [Book Characters](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/category/movie/detail/book-characters-62569) , [Fantasy](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/category/movie/detail/fantasy-62586)
- **Character Strengths** : [Compassion](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/category/movie/character-strengths/compassion-31717)
- **Run time** : 105 minutes
- **MPAA rating** : PG
- **MPAA explanation** : parental guidance suggested
- **Last updated** : October 1, 2025
Show more
## Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Young Frankenstein
### Suggest an Update
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## Related Topics
- [Compassion](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/category/movie/character-strengths/compassion-31717)
- [Book Characters](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/category/movie/detail/book-characters-62569)
- [Fantasy](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/category/movie/detail/fantasy-62586)
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| Readable Markdown | ### Common Sense Media Review
age 12+
Brooks' corniness still yields plenty of belly laughs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
- [(15)](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/young-frankenstein#tab-b6110b5e-5696-404e-861f-d280ca3fd4b50)
- [(30)](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/young-frankenstein#tab-b6110b5e-5696-404e-861f-d280ca3fd4b51)
age 11+
Based on 15 parent reviews
![]()
![]()
age 11+
Based on 30 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a hilarious spoof that combines comedic elements with classic horror themes, featuring the brilliant performances of Gene Wilder and an array of innuendos and slapstick humor. However, while it entertains with its clever jokes and humor, it includes mature content such as sexual references and profanity, making it unsuitable for very young audiences.
- witty humor
- inappropriate content
- language issues
- funny performances
- older kids recommended
- classic parody
#####  Summarized with AI
![]()
![]()
## What's the Story?
After denouncing his grandfather's work as "doo doo," YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, also known as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein ([Gene Wilder](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Gene%20Wilder "Gene Wilder")), receives word that he's inherited his famous ancestor's Transylvanian castle. There, with the help of his lab assistant Inga ([Teri Garr](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/teri%20garr "Teri Garr")) and pop-eyed hunchback Igor ([Marty Feldman](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Marty%20Feldman "Marty Feldman")), he discovers a secret library containing his grandfather Victor's notes on how to bring the dead to life. The temptation is too great to pass up. In the renowned Frankenstein laboratory, young Frederick creates his own monster ([Peter Boyle](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Peter%20Boyle "Peter Boyle")) and harnesses the power of an electrical storm to bring him to life.
## Is It Any Good?
**Our review:**
The gags might be lame, and the script is almost infantile, but if you thought this film was funny in 1974, you're just as likely to get a kick out of it today. There's an unembarrassed corniness about *Young Frankenstein* that generates plenty of belly laughs. The monster's "Puttin' on the Ritz" number will even squeeze smiles out of those not inclined toward Brooks' brand of humor.
The vaguely smutty jokes and sight gags will go over well with the teen crowd, but the comic talents at work here will appeal to all ages. [Marty Feldman](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Marty%20Feldman "Marty Feldman"), [Teri Garr](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/teri%20garr "Teri Garr"), [Madeline Kahn](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Madeline%20Kahn "Madeline Kahn"), [Cloris Leachman](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Cloris%20Leachman "Cloris Leachman"), and [Gene Hackman](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Gene%20Hackman "Gene Hackman") comprise a comedy's dream cast. [Peter Boyle](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Peter%20Boyle "Peter Boyle ") brings an unexpected touch of dignity to the monster, and [Gene Wilder](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Gene%20Wilder "Gene Wilder") is as charming and manic as he was in [*Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory*](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/willy-wonka-the-chocolate-factory). [Mel Brooks](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Mel%20Brooks "Mel Brooks") fans will rejoice at the re-release of one of his funniest films.
## Talk to Your Kids About ...
- Families can talk about parody: is *Young Frankenstein* seemingly patterned after old horror films? How does it differ? Beneath the obvious ridiculing of old horror films, do you detect any sort of fondness for the genre?
- What are your thoughts on the scene in which Frankenstein's monster pins down Madeline Kahn's character and seemingly forces her to have sex with him? Would a scene like this be in a contemporary comedy?
- What are some of the ways in which the humor of the movie has held up, and where does it seem dated?
- How do the characters in *Young Frankenstein* demonstrate [compassion](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/what-is-compassion)? Why is this an important [character strength](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/life-skills)?
## Movie Details
- **In theaters** : December 15, 1974
- **On DVD or streaming** : September 5, 2006
- **Cast** : [Gene Wilder](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Gene%20Wilder) , [Madeline Kahn](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Madeline%20Kahn) , [Marty Feldman](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Marty%20Feldman) , [Peter Boyle](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Peter%20Boyle)
- **Director** : [Mel Brooks](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/Mel%20Brooks)
- **Studio** : [Twentieth Century Fox](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/category/movie/studio/twentieth-century-fox-28481)
- **Genre** : [Comedy](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/category/movie/genre/comedy-75)
- **Topics** : [Book Characters](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/category/movie/detail/book-characters-62569) , [Fantasy](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/category/movie/detail/fantasy-62586)
- **Character Strengths** : [Compassion](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/category/movie/character-strengths/compassion-31717)
- **Run time** : 105 minutes
- **MPAA rating** : PG
- **MPAA explanation** : parental guidance suggested
- **Last updated** : October 1, 2025
## Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by |
| Shard | 186 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 2436357595599453786 |
| Unparsed URL | org,commonsensemedia!www,/movie-reviews/young-frankenstein s443 |