Hope for the Best Medley (Mel Brooks Tribute) Harry Conick, Jr. + Friends 2009 Kennedy Center Honors

[@bluekitty3731]

To see Carl Reiner on stage honoring Mel Brooks is so bittersweet, they were friends for so long and would have dinner together on TV trays and watch Jeopardy once a week for years! When Mr Reiner died, for a year after Mel would still go to his house and just sit in the living room like they had always done. We should all be blessed with a friend like that!

[@MicheleHuffman-d8c]

Just thinking about that makes me cry. Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner........Kings of Comedy,

[@AAZEDLARC]

I worked for Rob Reiner for 6 years, his Dad was the best person I ever met apart from my own Dad. Such a beautiful friendship between Mr. Reiner & Mr. Brooks xoxo

[@anneludlow4891]

I come back to this clip several times a year; it's now Sept '24, & i know I'll be back again soon.

[@AAZEDLARC]

Me too, it gives me hope in dark times

[@MoonDancerPony]

It's November 2024 and I am watching this to elivate my mood.

[@celiashen5490]

I loved that Mr. Mel Brooks mouthed lyrics

[@luishumbertovega3900]

All the way !!!

[@emmarose4234]

He’s one big ol’ teddy bear!!!

[@nancyjulian6714]

Same ❤❤❤

[@AAZEDLARC]

And his sister is commenting in his ear! Brilliant! :)

[@TheCytherean]

Mel Brooks looks so touched by the last song, it's so sweet. He is a creative genius.

[@jws1272]

The last song is from "The Producers". It's called "Till Him".

[@jws1272]

And, yes, Mel is one of the greatest comic genii in HISTORY!!! The day he ever passes will be a sad day.....

[@susanwenner8738]

Mel gave us many inappropriate laughs for many years but in today’s world most of his humor would never fly. Glad he had us laughing out loud at ourselves and wrote great comedy all those years ago.

[@joaquinhurtado-tapia4369]

And the most Ironic thing is that he wrote the whole of those songs (both music and lyrics).

[@egala005]

@@susanwenner8738 What a crazy coincidence it is then that you can still see his films on TV today but yes his humor doesn't fly today, or something

[@ultraviolettas]

7:40 I love how DeNiro, laughing, turns to Mel Brooks and is like “you really came up with this good crazy shit!?”

[@chaospatriot76]

Imagine performing "Springtime for Hitler" for not only Mel Brooks, but the President of the United States

[@doctorgrosso164]

Well. The US declares the war in 1941..

[@THOMASINTHE1980S]

@@doctorgrosso164Joined the War technically.

[@ZakMason10]

That woman behind him looks like she hasn’t seen the producers and is wondering why there singing about Hitler 😂

[@GASNICABRUNATNA]

WW2 was an American business venture.

[@MP-lq3xx]

Sad how that was in 2009...and here we are today in 2024 talking about how some of these events are now being taken seriously in the open..chllling...and sad

[@MikeSmithEnterprises]

There truly will "never, ever be another one like him."

[@ExodusPessoa]

That Matthew Broderick tribute brought me to tears.

[@eargasm1072]

same here 🤧

[@YogsenForfoth]

It’s so good to see Mel Brooks receiving the praise and recognition that he deserves. He is a national treasure along with being one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. ❤

[@rsr789]

Um, I mean he won an Oscar for his first film... I'm pretty sure his recognition has been fully received.

[@THOMASINTHE1980S]

Technically, in the United States, the Kennedy Center Honors is the performing arts' equivalent of being knighted. Brooks initially refused the Offer when George W. Bush was POTUS because of his (Brooks') distaste for his (Bush's) Iraq War Policy.@@rsr789

[@aaronwurtzel7287]

To see him sitting up their and singing along with a massive smile on his face just makes this that much better. What a legend.

[@brettvangaasbeek8269]

The song from “The Producers” sung by Broderick was perfect. To take the lyrics that Brooks wrote and sing them back to him in perfect reverence was a highlight of a glorious tribute.

[@esanch4918]

Harry Connick Jr needs to do a polished version of High Anxiety~it could easily be a standard. Brooks is so multifaceted, his talent is absolutely boundless

[@kirigayakazuto8893]

When I heard the original song I was like I need a faster paced song then heard this... My dreams came true

[@esanch4918]

Whoops, meant the top comment as a reply to your reply

[@joseangelamievafernandez9031]

6

[@angemaidment5640]

This is how it’s meant to be sung.

[@TomGimmel]

I felt the same!

[@RenatoRegalado]

I watch this multiple times a year. Still watching it in 2023

[@AAZEDLARC]

Cry buckets everytime :)

[@williamjones7163]

A standing Ovation from the President of the United States. It doesn't get much better than that.

[@arvinbuenaagua5161]

Depends on the President

[@mariehelena2364]

​@@arvinbuenaagua5161nah, I think it's the multiple Presidents. Mel forever. ❤

[@davidabbett7011]

As a 62 year old, I have never known time without Mel Brooks first making the adults around me laugh, and then sharing the laughs with my brother as we went repeatedly to watch every movie of his over the years. Simply one of the most impactful humans in my life . . . . Ever. Thank YOU, Mr. Brooks ❤️😂

[@Davidlp70]

Anyone that can make us laugh at Hitler in a musical is a genius

[@manuelorozco7760]

When the film remake came out, I was slowly beginning to enjoy musicals

[@peterdelaney6478]

R I P Cloris, Gene, Marty, Dom, Zero, Kenneth, Harvey, Slim, Cleavon, Madeline, Dick, and all the others who made us laugh in movies written and directed by Mel Brooks

[@imjelo]

Include Leslie (Nielsen).

[@ultraviolettas]

Dick van dyke? He’s still alive!!

[@iammontecristo]

Mel is a national treasure. No one can place his brand of humor. Thank heavens I grew up with his films. Thank you for everything, Mel

[@eleanorxyloma6798]

I’ve listened to High Anxiety before every exam I’ve taken in law school. I’m in my last year now, and something tells me I’ll be reprising the song before trials in the future. Thanks Mel for the laugh I needed before a stressful event, it made a difference.

[@sandrablack5133]

I’m not sure anyone has ever enjoyed their Kennedy Centre Honour more than Mel Brooks has - and with very good cause - what a cracking showcase of a brilliant career

[@DominiqueSuberville924]

Omg, Watch the Carole King one. When a certain last singer comes out, she loses it.

[@berenicececilia]

Gary Beach is a true master. GENIUOS.

[@michelle6734]

This man is a treasure. I hope younger generations understand how important he was regarding this industry.

[@JavierArveloCruzSantana]

"There will never be another one like him." Truth has never been more clearly stated.

[@sharkcatzorro-u6i]

First saw The Producers in 1968, laughed till it hurt & couldn’t stop while my date didn’t laugh. I began to understand he might not be the one for me.

[@Concetta20]

It was perfect to have Harry Connick sing "High Anxiety"! Haha

[@robertaferugheli4114]

I damn well hope Mel never dies. What joy and laughter he's given us. Unique and unrepeatable.

[@bookwoman53]

He has a very good autobiography called “All About Me”. It’s available as an audiobook with Mel narrating it. It was fun to listen to.

[@robertaferugheli4114]

I read his autobiography. It was wonderful; just like Mel.

[@ultraviolettas]

Just turned 98!!

[@MsLizziebeth1]

I am bawling my eyes out in early April 2023 at this, even after the umpteenth watch since 2009. How many other medleys do you see the ENTIRE , FULL COMPLEMENT OF PERFORMERS on stage, ON STAGE, break out in spontaneous, seriously ovational APPLAUSE for the man who gave them "life"? We all owe so much of our cultural humanity, our inner life, to Mr Kaminsky. I too belong in that audience, because I am inwardly just like them. And I will always love you, Mel, until the day I die.

[@scribe56]

Me too.

[@michelle6734]

How does this only have 470K views? Unacceptable.

[@russstorey4393]

Yeah. When the President and First Lady give you a standing ovation, you know you've made it

[@maryannefeyer6332]

and Springsteen, too.

[@mariehelena2364]

Mel's made it multiple Presidents over, we're blessed for him now + for years to come. A true "GOAT" as the kids say, but it's true! 😆🥰

[@imjelo]

9:39 "...there will never ever be another one like him" That is so true. There will never ever be another one like Mel Brooks!!

[@MrDavey2010]

Mel Brooks is irreplaceable. Remarkable talent!

[@edwardriel]

This tribute brought a tear to my eye...brings back GREAT childhood memories..thanks Mel!

[@chrispatterson4963]

Tears from laughing my ass off

[@mariehelena2364]

Amen, Mel forever ❤

[@bclap06able]

I'm tearing up watching one of my heroes being honored like the legend he deserves to be

[@tommartin2060]

It’s when mel starts singing along at 3:23 that made me smile!!

[@zzyyxxo]

the love for Mr. Brooks is palpable. I feel it too. I seriously love him.

[@Allthisisthat31]

I love this so much - I have to watch it every few months. Thank God for Mel Brooks.

[@cutzymccall7675]

Mel has helped a lot of us to get through difficult moments. He stuffed us with audacious, uplifting humor until we had to admit that life is pretty good, after all, especially with Mel Brooks in it. ❤❤❤❤

[@MrEvilshaggy]

I'm a few years too late but I want to add that in a twist that is nothing less than poetic. Mell Brooks wrote his own tribute over a number of decades because no one else would ever be better at it.

[@normanappel5412]

Mel Brooks is a Gift from G-D !!

[@cavanpoet]

Thank you Mel Brooks for a lifetime of humor

[@sandrablack5133]

This whole thing is glorious - and Mel and the Prez so enjoyed the whole thing

[@josevelez5598]

The world is going to be a sadder place when he passes away. Thank you Mel! :')

[@kirigayakazuto8893]

They better have the same thing when Robert Williams died or else I'll never forgive myself

[@AlphaWolf789]

Kirigaya Kazuto Robin williams lol

[@kirigayakazuto8893]

Alpha Wolf hahahah thanks for the catch

[@glennfromthebronx]

.....Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner have a terrific hiding spot from Death! Shhhhhhhhhhh.

[@MsLizziebeth1]

Hiding SPOT ?? I thought it was just eating garlic.

[@Dotsaa2]

May he live to be 100!! This year I believe.

[@ray25lee]

I'm crying from laughing at the audience when it got to Springtime for Hitler, they're just clamming up and looking at each other like "Holy shit, isn't this kinda offensive?" YESSSS, and it's hilarious. It's okay to laugh. Inquisition, WWII, laugh already! Brooks is classic!

[@suewalsh1883]

Mel Brooks is Jewish.

[@geomeopeoleo1740]

Yeah that’s why it’s funny at least somewhat. Since all the comedy that deals with nazi or Jewish history is a way for Brooks to turn it into something different

[@matthewflugstad8023]

Talk about bad taste

[@HBee5]

Yes!!! hahaha love it

[@susanwenner8738]

This would be ‘canceled’ in today’s society. Laughter has become a crime.

[@bigsistahtips]

Frank Langela giving it all ala old school. Amazing.

[@mssuziquzi]

A well-deserved, touching tribute to Mel Brooks. Not only is he a comic genius, but he wrote some great musicals too. The producers was one of my favourites, so funny, so clever, brilliant.😂

[@jeffcaldwell4879]

Mel is a all around guy in showbiz. Funny scenes and a humorous brush of world history and different takes on frictional stories.

[@johnraines4825]

I absolutely love it all! What great memories! I saw this when it first aired. It never gets old! Love Mel Brooks!

[@Nana-vi4rd]

That honor was way over due, he certainly deserves so much more from all of us. HE THE GREATEST!

[@marias7599]

I love his big smile It’s great seeing another great comedian laughing..... Carol Burnette

[@runnerlegend7726]

Mel Brooks is a genius!

[@chrispatterson4963]

Mel Brooks is the greatest comedic writer, producer, and director of all time.

[@malindabful]

Watching history of the world part 2 has reminded me of my absolute adoration and love of this man!! ❤️❤️❤️ Had to come and look for anything featuring him

[@srconrad]

Still going strong at 96! Just came out with History of the World Part 2.

[@M.Kpunkt]

Oh my dear Mel Brooks. I was so incredibly sad when Anne Bancroft died in 2005, because both were absolute exceptional artists. Each on its own but together simply unbeatable. I love his ,,To be or Not to be" 😂😂😂 although I can almost speak the lyrics to the end, I have to watch it over and over again. His "Leslie Nielden-Dracula" or those: "CampTownLadies -- from the 'Wild Wild West' I really love these films. Not everyone likes 'Brooks humor' but they don't have to. I think getting the Medal of Arts from the first black president, even though Mel got the first black sheriff (with a wink) in 'The Wild Wild West', at least shows that Obaba likes his sense of humor. The tribute was wonderful , especially the end when everyone raises their hands '-horizontally-' and then turns them to '-vertically' at the top. Wonderful... and more than deserved..✨👯‍♂️👯👯👏👏👏🥰

[@Qermaq]

The perfect tribute to a true genius.

[@edkeaton]

This was such a great tribute to the legendary Mel Brooks! I've always been a big fan of his films! Everyone did such a great job putting this moving tribute together! Matthew Broderick's part of the tribute was amazing! His singing was impressive! 😎👍🎊🎉👏❤️😅

[@jws1272]

One of THE funniest parts is at around 7:45, and De Niro looks over at Mel like, "OMG, really?", because he's laughing that much......

[@fireskycam9889]

If you can make Robert De Niro laugh at a camp Hitler impression, then you've made it.

[@jws1272]

@@fireskycam9889 EXACTLY!!!

[@christinechepeleffwaybackr8225]

Gary Beach was just fantastic, OMG!

[@ultraviolettas]

I DIED 😭

[@opertinicy]

I remember when we used to actually celebrate arts with a sense of humor

[@valleybrook]

All american people out there. Be proud of yourself! You contribute with so much talent and happiness. And you choose such a charming president!

[@melltenfys]

This always makes me so emotive, what a masterpiece of a tribute to give someone... His characters turning the meaning of his song around to be a homage to him never fails to get me

[@npoon16]

Am I the only one still waiting for History of the World Part 2?????

[@jws1272]

Or, Spaceballs 2: The Search For More Money?

[@agenttheater5]

Or Spaceballs 3: the search for Spaceballs 2?

[@Gwinam]

Or Spaceballs 0: The Unnecessary Prequel?

[@toowoombaangel]

and I would pay to see any of those

[@TroyRiver92]

It’s coming….

[@ThePirocadoida]

I'm still cracking my mouth with the Jack Black belt hahahahahahaha!

[@judybest6991]

I have to watch this Every time it comes on.

[@feliciab2]

I love watching this. I mean, each of these songs and movies are classics, and how touched does Mel look at the end?? I'm also impressed how perfect the choice of singers were for each of those songs. Obviously Frank Langella sang the 12 Chairs song because he sang it in the movie, but I couldn't think of anyone more perfect to sing High Anxiety than Harry Connick Jr, or Richard Kind singing the Inquisition song. Just inspired choices.

[@alecbrown66]

Mel Brooks. The man with rapier whit (and mega talented spouse!), who could point out the po-faced orthodoxy with a laugh. Thank god we had him recognised, prized and loved for so long. We really need him these days. X

[@mariehelena2364]

Amen!! And so happy for some of truly funny + talented people he introduced to a wider audience - thinking especially of Madeline Kahn, lost way too soon but what a fantastically funny lady 🥲

[@profMaximvs]

Mel Brooks is an unique GENIUS!

[@meganjoyce7259]

That was just perfect!!!!

[@sha11235]

They should've changed a bit of the finale, saying, "He filled up our empty lives, filled it to the brim, etc." which is saying that Mel did this to all of us and we are better people because of him.

[@kel9591]

They cut out the part when Mel takes out his comb and uses it as a hitler mustache and gives the hell hitler salute. Everyone busted out laughing when he did that.

[@kirigayakazuto8893]

They did that to get rid of criticizing him

[@agenttheater5]

+Kirigaya Kazuto Those who'd criticizing him obviously don't know his work. Or the fact that he's Jewish....

[@seamus1956]

+agenttheater5 Absolutely correct, born Melvin Kaminsky in Brooklyn. Also was a corporal in the US Army, 78th Infantry Division serving in France & Germany, 1944-46. (and the "comb thing" was actually in a scene in the Producers, so it was kinda appropriate in this situation. What a one of a kind talent!!

[@Guernicaman]

Well, they were probably afraid of offending people. Notice how the Springtime For Hitler number didn't have any swastikas, probably for the same reason.

[@roguishpaladin]

@@Guernicaman I mean, the piece doesn't need it. It's the difference between invoking something and honoring it. A show staged in front of the US president doesn't need a swastika to make its point.

[@asteverino8569]

Oh Mel ❤ What gift,(gifts), you gave us all. Thank you dear man. 🙏🏽 L' Chaim

[@blackbird5634]

Wonderful!🥰🤩

[@Tinhuviel]

Happy Birthday, Mel!

[@1COMIXMAN]

Grew up watching his movies.

[@prowlie]

Whats this moisture coming from my eyes.... Great tribute!

[@gilbertschaffinojr.7030]

Gaw damn you Harry Conick Jr. Bringing tears to my eyes, with your beautiful, lovely, singing voice. 🤧🥲

[@ZechsMerquise195]

A great tribute to a Hollywood legend.

[@waynerichardaves5375]

A pure genius and legend

[@johnstevenson2890]

Mel brooks is a great director,blazing saddles,the best

[@manuelorozco7760]

I prefer Young Frankenstein

[@hunterdude113]

So sad how prophetic the words “there will never ever be another one like him” truly are… modern society will never allow another mel brooks to arise, they’ll be cancelled in a matter of moments.

[@mariehelena2364]

I haven't given up hope, this humor will rise again, and we need it more than ever. I'm grateful Mel's still around - long may be live, and his memory + influence even longer! ❤🥰

[@luishumbertovega3900]

What a 1-derful celebration for the multi talented Mr Mel Brooks, may he live to be a healthy 120, God Bless him !!!

[@hannesgeiger4178]

I am cry Why? Greetings from Germany

[@sandrablack5133]

Such an array of talent bringing to life the staggering panoply of Mel Brooks’ imagination

[@matthewfield2958]

A truly wonderful and heartfelt tribute to one of the finest and funniest comedic geniuses.

[@tww2002]

So much talent. So good.

[@robertluna5816]

An American treasure!

[@sandrablack5133]

Who would have thought this would be so relevant now

[@5610winston]

They overlooked one of my favorite films, "To Be, or Not to Be" where he gave Anne Bancroft most of the great lines. Mrs. Brooks also appeared in "Silent Movie", of course, but in the Polish film, she shone as the brightest star in Mel's firmament.

[@sha11235]

Well, he didn't direct or write To Be or Not to Be, so they didn't count it. They couldn't put everything in there.

[@emmarose4234]

The Hitler rap was TBoNTB’s only associated song, right?

[@jamilahsmall8424]

RIP Gary Beach

[@melaniamonicacraciun9900]

Happy Independence Day, happy July 4th, God Bless America friends, eternal gratitude gorgeous performers that made of our lives a better place, wish you pick up the best golden memories of all, fans love youuuuu guys 👍💪🌺🥳🍾✌️💋😂😅😆♥️🥂🍀🦋💐🙋🎂🤗👏💎🎂👏🤗👏🎂💎

[@evamartin4807]

Oh Mel...God bless you!! We love you so!! 💚

[@charlottelibov3473]

About as star-studded as you can get!

[@Morgana888]

Thanks for uploading this! It's great!

[@miguelpintor1002]

The only Kennedy Center Honors show worth watching. Mel Brooks is the best! Although, Germans will never forget these jokes. I just know for whatever reason.

[@turtlemama888]

Mel Brooks Created the background of my generation

[@dguri]

What a fantastic tribute!!

[@samanthab1923]

That’s some audience. Eddie Vedder, Phillip Seymour Hoffman RIP, Alan Alda & Donald Sutherland. ⭐️

[@emmarose4234]

I WANT TO HUG MEL BROOKS!

[@jasonregan365]

He is a god of comedy who can make any one laugh

[@sherrybee6629]

Bravo!!!