Gene Wilder and Mel Brooks’ Tense Fights Over ‘Young Frankenstein’

Hollywood, CA — During the making of the classic film ‘Young Frankenstein‘, Gene Wilder and Mel Brooks had intense disagreements that nearly escalated into physical confrontations. The tension reportedly stemmed from their collaborative writing process.

Wilder initially pitched the idea of a comedy about Baron Frankenstein’s neurotic grandson to Brooks, suggesting they co-write the screenplay together. The collaboration started with a lighthearted exchange about money, with Wilder offering Brooks a mere $57 as a down payment for co-writing duties.

Brooks later recounted, “We fought and we fought” over various elements of the script. One notable argument erupted over a scene where Wilder’s character tap dances in a top hat and tails alongside the monster. Brooks, initially resistant to the idea, questioned, “Are you crazy?”

The heated debate saw Wilder passionately defending the scene, stating, “I argued for about 20 minutes until I was at least red in the face.” In the end, Brooks conceded, stating, “Okay, it’s in.”

Wilder proposed testing the contentious scene with an audience. When viewers reacted favorably, Brooks admitted, “I have never been so wrong in my life.” This moment illustrated their chaotic but creative partnership.

Wilder also had to coax Brooks into focusing solely on directing, as Brooks had a tendency to break the fourth wall in his performances. Eventually, Brooks agreed to step back from acting in order to properly direct the film.

Despite their clashes, Wilder recognized the importance of their dynamic. “I had to tone Mel down, and he had to keep me from being too subtle,” he explained. Once they began filming, Wilder noted that the disputes vanished, making the production of ‘Young Frankenstein’ one of his most enjoyable experiences.

“It was like taking a small breath of heaven each day,” Wilder reflected on the filming process.