Search - The Twelve Chairs on DVD

Change of Pace

Larry Thompson | 05/03/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you think Mel Brooks is only good for broad, obvious humor (Robin Hood- Men in Tights, or History of the World) or sharp parody, (Young Frankenstein) then you owe yourself a look at this movie. Made after The Producers, this is Brooks's first attempt at combining serious and comic elements. The film is NOT a laugh fest, nor is it meant to be. Brooks deals with character over comedy in the two main characters, creating an interesting (and often touching) relationship between the two, leading to a final shot in the film that is emotionally pure and effective. Dom Deluise provides wonderful comic relief as the priest who is also after the chairs, and Brooks himself makes a short cameo as the former servant to Ron Moody. Carl Reiner has said that to him, the funniest man on the planet is Mel Brooks. That's pretty high praise, but after seeing this movie, my bet is you'll come away with a deeper appreciation for Brooks's talent, and you might just wonder why he didn't make a few more films like this one."

Oh Lord....you're so strict!

Archmaker | California | 03/31/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"You have to see this overlooked Mel Brooks comedy for one reason: Dom DeLuise's performance as the priest gone totally crazed with avarice. He is simply hysterical. I think the scene where he has gone to Siberia and finally hounded the chairs from the couple, only to come up empty, and begins his inept suicidal impulses is priceless.

There are other great moments in the film, a cameo by Brooks as the drunken Tikon, and nice performances from Ron Moody & Frank Langella.

The film is a dark comedy, not as light and fun as Blazing Saddles et al, and there is more exposition than usual, which tends to make the film's pace slower.

However, the real problem with the film, which prevents it from being a classic, is that there is a cruel streak in the relationship between Langella & Moody that can be uncomfortable at times.

Nonetheless, there are some great bits in this that make it well worth a look. I would rate it 3-1/2 stars if it were possible, but 4 will have to do. Dom makes it all worthwhile."

Overlooked Gem

Archmaker | 03/31/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This obscure Mel Brooks work is my favorite movie of all times. It is the least known of his films, but rates as high as "The Producers" and "To Be Or Not To Be". Like those two other movies, "Twelve Chairs" has a more complex storyline and a slower pace than his better known films.
The beauty of this film is in the details. The names of streets and government offices are an example. The locations are fantastic.
Don't look for the fast pace of "Silent Movie" or the crazy, cheap jokes of "History of The World". In fact, don't think of this as a "Mel Brooks movie" at all. But do make a point to watch it. And keep and eye on the little details!"

Overlooked Mel Brooks Classic

A. DiMauro | Manchester, NJ | 10/12/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been a fan of Mel Brooks for a while, all this time considering Young Frankenstein as his all time best...now I have to rethink that! I discovered this movie a couple months ago, and now in my book it rates up there with Young Frankenstein as the best Mel Brooks movie out there. Why doesn't it get the publicity of his other films? It is a classic! The performances in the movie are great, I couldn't stop laughing! I wish that Mel Brooks would also make a movie of The Golden Calf, the sequel to this story."