I have seen this film several times, having owned a VHS copy for years. It has it's funny moments, but Brooks spends a fair amount of time actually trying to remain faithful to the original 1928 Russian novel, which is to his credit.
I just recently watched "12+1," aka "The Thirteen Chairs," which was a 1970 French/Italian co-production. It's most famous for it's cast than for anything else. Top-billed was the late Sharon Tate, who was murdered by the Manson cult shortly after this film was completed. The cast also includes Orson Welles, Lionel Jeffries, and Terry-Thomas.
I mention the above version for a reason. It strays radically from the original novel. Brooks' version is more faithful. It's interesting that both "12+1" and "The Twelve Chairs" were released in the same year (1970). They couldn't be more different. "12+1" takes place in Italy, England (mostly) and the United States. Other film versions have been made in Cuba, Germany, and Argentina.
Brooks' version does have it's humorous moments, mostly when Dom DeLuise or Mel Brooks are on screen. Otherwise it's mostly a serious film. Both DeLuise (looking quite thin for him) and Brooks are scene stealers. One wonders what the film would have been like without them. Not as good, in my opinion.
Mel Brooks proves yet again that he can be quite a good filmmaker when he chooses to be. I'm a great fan of his, but this film is different from anything else that he has done. Just bare that it mind before sitting down to watch it.
I just recently watched "12+1," aka "The Thirteen Chairs," which was a 1970 French/Italian co-production. It's most famous for it's cast than for anything else. Top-billed was the late Sharon Tate, who was murdered by the Manson cult shortly after this film was completed. The cast also includes Orson Welles, Lionel Jeffries, and Terry-Thomas.
I mention the above version for a reason. It strays radically from the original novel. Brooks' version is more faithful. It's interesting that both "12+1" and "The Twelve Chairs" were released in the same year (1970). They couldn't be more different. "12+1" takes place in Italy, England (mostly) and the United States. Other film versions have been made in Cuba, Germany, and Argentina.
Brooks' version does have it's humorous moments, mostly when Dom DeLuise or Mel Brooks are on screen. Otherwise it's mostly a serious film. Both DeLuise (looking quite thin for him) and Brooks are scene stealers. One wonders what the film would have been like without them. Not as good, in my opinion.
Mel Brooks proves yet again that he can be quite a good filmmaker when he chooses to be. I'm a great fan of his, but this film is different from anything else that he has done. Just bare that it mind before sitting down to watch it.