While the death of comedy legendGene WIlderis still very fresh, Hollywood has been finding ways to help honor the late actor. Now,Mel Brooksand Fathom Events have announced that they will be bringingYoung Frankenstein, one ofWilder’s most iconic movies, back to the big screen for one night only on Oct. 5. Not only that, but the event will feature a live intro fromBrooksbefore the movie.
Fathommade the announcement for the event recently, wich will be taking place in more than 500 theaters nationwide. The prospect of seeingYoung Frankensteinin a theater again is exciting enough on its own, but the intro for the movie by writer/directorMel Brooksmakes it a must see event for fans of bothWilderandBrooks. Here is what Fathom had to say about the event in their announcement.
“Seeing the black-and-white masterpiece on the big screen with an audience is a rarity in itself, but to make this screening a trulyone-of-a-kind experience, writer and director Mel Brooks will introduce the film live from the 20th Century Fox Lot in Hollywood, CA.”
As mentioned, the intro fromMel Brookswill be broadcast from the 20th Century Fox Lot, where much ofYoung Frankensteinwas filmed. The intro is expected to include a tour of the lot, with stories about the movie fromBrooksabout the movie, and more specifically,Wilder, the star of the movie. Not only that, but the pair were very good friends and worked together quite a lot over the years, so it is very likelyBrookswill reminisce about his friend and get a bit personal during the intro. It is hard to imagine anyone more qualified to honorWilder, and that makes this event very special.
Mel BrooksandGene Wilderworked a lot together over the years on many classic movies, butYoung Frankensteinis easily one of their finest works. The move is regarded as one of thegreatest comedies of all-timeand was a huge success at the box office when it was released in 1974. The movie grossed $86 million on a budget of just $2.8, which would be considered a tremendous success even by today’s standards. More impressively, when adjusted for inflation, the movie would have grossed $395 million, which would make it the 124th highest grossing movie ever on the worldwide adjusted list.
Last Monday, icon andlegendthat wasGene Wilderpassed at the age of 83, at his home in Stamford, Connecticut. His nephew,Jordan Walker-Pearlman, revealed that the actor died due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. Though his passing is tremendously sad, the recent re-releases of some of his classic movies, likeYoung Frankenstein, are a great way to honor his legacy and to help ease the pain. Be sure to check local listings to see where and when you’re able to seeYoung Frankensteinon Oct. 5. Tickets are available for the event now.
