Madeline Kahn Monologue

[@gregorywright7003]

In this scene Madeline Kahn showed such a range of emotions -- anger, humor, sadness, irritability, vanity, regret, resignation, silliness -- in just under 3 minutes! Amazing. This is one of my favorite monologues from any movie. She was a great talent who left the Earth way too soon and will be missed.

[@nexttvmarketing]

AGREED 100%

[@MVR326]

I was 11 years old when I saw this movie and loved it,, in particular this scene always stuck out with me since 1974 ! Agreed, she was a fine talent who left us too soon

[@kadejito1]

I havent even seen the movie, but this clip made me want to see the movie. Big fan of Madie Kahn here, and she really expressed the struggle of every stepmother here.

[@davemattia]

Greatest loss of talent in the history of modern day movies and TV.

[@odaydrums]

kadejito and she was no stepmother yes watch the movie its very good

[@4Topwood]

I absolutely adored Madeline Kahn. Still heartsick that we lost her years too soon.

[@catmom1322]

I know her best from Young Frankenstein, & realized what a talent she is! In that film, there was an occasion for her to sing: that was also superb.

[@patrickryan1515]

Ever hear her do her frog song - hilarious.

[@francessullivan2559]

ovarian cancer--gilda radner same

[@scubadiva666]

@@francessullivan2559 It's taken down some great ones-also a few friends of mine. Early detection is the problem.

[@donna30044]

Madeline Kahn was one of the most underrated and underappreciated actresses of the age.

[@pakde8002]

She actually got a lot of awards and was nominated for even more. As we see in this seen she was an outstanding stage actress and won a lot of Tony awards.

[@slappy8941]

It's twue, it's twue!

[@splinterbyrd]

Comedy acting rarely gets attention, and it's unusual for an Oscar to be given for a comedy role, which is odd because going onstage and making people laugh is the most difficult thing in the world.

[@captainswing4487]

Totally agree with you.

[@ogdenj]

And a phenomenally talented operatic singer.

[@EagleRockers]

She makes you laugh and then rips your heart out with her story. What a brilliant actor and an immensely gifted human being.

[@nev707]

When I was a young guy I was was watching this movie, when a housemate walked in and asked,”Why you watching this?. It’s in black and white”. Some people have no idea.

[@bertroost1675]

They're lost souls

[@Gods2ndFavoriteBassPlyr]

Such genius on both sides.. Addie never says a word, and yet conveys it all through facial expression. Madeline Kahn's performance, one every level, is pure gold.

[@MrUndoe]

People throw around the word “underrated” a lot. When it comes to movie’s, music, or actors. It’s my belief Madeline Kahn never got the full credit she deserved.

[@macrus7064]

Indubitably

[@curtrupp4259]

It's unfortunate greats don't get recognized in their lifetime their talent will stand the test of time her in clue this role young Frankenstein she will remain a favorite to people that appreciate her talent

[@LannieLord]

She won a. TONY AWARD . Undervalued people do NOT WIN AWARDS .

[@Digrient]

Peter Bogdanovich tells the story that Madeline had refused to use the word "tits" during rehearsal but he was able to convince her. That take was the first time she actually said it. That little self-conscious moment is the real Madeline. What a great scene.

[@saint6563]

@Philip Gibbs That's embroidery on the outer layer of the dress. Very distracting though, for sure.

[@rhettgedies7467]

I think it's an extremely funny line, but I'm also pretty certain it probably wouldn't have been said in the times. This film's best quality is how it makes you forget it was made in the 1970's, so anything that ruptures that is a minuscule bummer for me.

[@JackmeriusTacktheritrix-000]

Interesting, considering she said it loud and clear in the movie History of the World Part 1

[@premanadi]

@@rhettgedies7467 There are examples of the word in writing back to 1928, which means it would have been in spoken language before that. So it's not implausible for someone to use it in the 1930s. Whatever vulgarities were around at the time, you can be sure people used them in private life - especially someone who worked as a stripper and part-time prostitute.

[@Marcel_Audubon]

​@@rhettgedies7467don't be ridiculous, you think everyone walked around talking like puritans in the 1930s?? They were every bit as crude then as they are today and that word in that context is from the 1920s, sweetheart, so take your rupture and your whining and go winky tinky someplace else

[@mabsdal9385]

The honesty she gives when turning around, dropping the pretense of "Trixie" - "you're gonna ruin it ain't ya". A great moment. wow

[@mjt2231]

Just brilliant in every way: setting, lighting, cinematography, her monologue. I could watch this scene a hundred times a day.

[@AC-ih7jc]

I saw this movie as a kid (around the time it came out), and that moment at 1:40 when she turns around and the camera cuts close stuck with me even then.

[@franknberry333]

That one line broke my heart

[@BradiKal61]

At that moment you see Trixie is really a sad insecure woman who is not the airhead she shows the rest of the world but just a person who thinks happiness can only be temporary for her

[@MSB-fj7cd]

Didn't anyone else tear up a little bit while watching this.

[@davidmatkovich4628]

I always do, I saw it when I was 18 and it was until years later that I realized how much emotion Madelyn put into a 2 minute monologue. Some people can tell an entire story in 2 minutes.

[@littleghostfilms3012]

I still do, and I've seen the film many, many times. It's because Madeline herself is so beautiful and touching as an actor and a person behind her comic persona.

[@nilasanders2044]

Madeline SO deserved the Oscar. This scene (after the hilarious stumble) is heartbreaking.

[@karamacool9783]

The academy should have categorized Tatum O'Neal's performance in the leading actress category.

[@kazzymoviefan]

Either way, Linda Blair easily deserved the Oscar THAT year for The Exorcist. She was incredible, nothing like it ever since. Yes, Tatum should've been in leading and I'd rather her and Ellen Burstyn over the actual winner Glenda Jackson.

[@independentfilmchannel1476]

@@kazzymoviefan Oh please. Linda Blair's "performance" was all special effects, stand-ins (both human and mechanized), grotesque makeup, dubbing by Mercedes McCambridge, and a surplus of projectile pea soup. There was nothing else there. Now compare that to the sublime acting in the scene above. The Oscar belonged to Madeline. Disgrace she didn't get it.

[@breezingby2611]

O’Neil really didn’t belong in supporting. The only reason she was put there is because she was a kid

[@paulvoorhies8821]

She deserved it for her first ever film performance, What’s Up Doc? But she wasn’t even nominated. 🤷‍♂️

[@glenncalzada1707]

I LOVED MADELINE!! She was a great actress. She proved it in every movie she ever made. She is deeply missed.

[@ICUinthedark]

I was walking down Madison Ave. NYC one day and Ms. Kahn was walking up, she looked like she was walking so poised and beautiful like she was on a movie set. She stopped suddenly and opened up her black shiny patent leather 1950s style purse and looked for something, then closed it and continued walking on. I just stood and watched with the utmost awe!

[@arnoldamaral7406]

ICUinthedark Wow that was a great experience.I'm sure she would of talked to you etc.But you were 🌟 STRUCKED my friend.Was she as beautiful in person as in her films? Arnold Bourbon Amaral

[@scottward7813]

Hey ICU, great memory and you related it so well!

[@charlesbower8387]

@Jarred Knox 1973

[@jw6948]

I have watched this clip at least 10 times in the past week. So heartbreaking and funny, we are definitely worse off not having Madeline Kahn in this world.

[@herrbrucvald6376]

This is like a speech from Tennessee Williams or any good play. So human and vulnerable. I wish more movies pursued a higher literary and artistic mission.

[@mjt2231]

!mrdunn brucvald well put!! That's the beauty of great literature.

[@SDoesNotKnow]

Curtis Rupp You’re just like a Pavlovian dog...liberal this and liberal that. You don’t even know what you’re saying anymore.

[@royrowland5763]

@Curtis RuppYes, by all means, ridicule the intelligence of liberals while your brethren spout QAnon stories about certain individuals eating sacrificed babies like it is fact. Amaze us with your uncanny conservative ability to employ reason while explaining why you blindly follow Trump after he unabashedly mocked you for continuing your allegiance even if he shot someone on 5th Avenue. PLEASE, don't stop here with a cowardly drive-by comment that had nothing to do with the video, as you now owe it to all of us to show us what a genius truly looks like. Anything less would make you look like a sub-80-IQ fuckwit. Don't let us down!

[@marymarysmarket3508]

@@royrowland5763 always with the name calling

[@apparently2]

It would be wonderful if there was more excellence in the world.

[@Kormac80]

Her comedic talent is just off the charts. Mel Brooks was such a genius at casting. She just kills it in both Young Frankenstein and Blazing Saddles.

[@billyboylb]

and What's up, Doc?

[@Kormac80]

@@billyboylb Great call.

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

Kormac80 Frau Blucher........Whinney!

[@scribblerjohn1]

@@jamesdellaneve9005 Cloris Leachman was Frau Blucher (whinny!) Madeleine was Elizabeth.

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

john roberts Yes. I knew that. It was a response to Mel Brooks

[@lulujean88]

I've never forgotten the "Bone Struckcha" line. This is one of my favorite movies.

[@randysills4418]

Bone structure reminds me of what Tallulah Bankhead said to Bea Arthur! She implied that Bea would never be a star because she didn't have "bone structuh"...

[@NormAppleton]

According to Roget's Bone Struckcha means tits.

[@scotthamilton007]

A perfect scene from a perfect film. A truly underappreciated masterpiece.

[@ThomasFromTN]

Not the "I'm the ONLY person in the world who understands anything" KZbin comment, again!!

[@wespaul9345]

@@ThomasFromTN why would you bother with that. FFS

[@bluevioletkitty]

I totally agree. This is an incredible scene. She is truly missed. Her voice is embedded in my mind: I hear it, my mind see's an image of her from a film and I most often crack up. What a presence. She was nothing short of amazing.

[@wespaul9345]

I've been binging on Ms Kahn for a week now and read the comments. She has admirers both male and female which is not as common as you might like to think. It's a testament to her as an actress, singer and human.

[@brianskinner5711]

My favorite movie. Perfectly cast and superbly acted. Madeline was sublime.

[@jenOutpost]

Madeline - one of the very best, a complete package of talent, charm, wit and beauty. This is one of my favorite of all film scenes.

[@miavr3020]

Mr peter bogdanovich, you'll be missed...

[@joelarama]

I absolutely adore Madeline Kahn. Such an incredible talent as an Actor, comedian and her singing voice! I didn’t really get to know her as a performer until watching the film ‘Clue’. It was her “Flames, flames” speech that drew me to her performance and her as an actress. When I discovered that I was learning about an actress who had passed away really upset me and seeing her act or sing still brings a tinge of sadness. I regret not being familiar with her work when she was still with us. What an incredible legacy she has left for us to share and enjoy.

[@purewonka]

Everything about this scene is perfection. Even the location is just right.

[@ellariel7457]

Mesmerizing. Gone too soon, like too, too many of our brightest lights. So grateful we still have these glimpses of her genius on film. She is truly one for the ages. God bless you, "Mademoiselle."

[@lenmanrivera]

I absolutely LOVE Madeline Kahn! She was taken away from us much too soon. Paper Moon and Young Frankenstein were two of my favorite movies that she was in. Her voice was unique, and her wit was divine! Thanks for posting this!! 😎👍❤

[@hensonlaura]

She was WONDERFUL in Clue too!

[@slowpokebr549]

Good lord, imagine if people still made movies like that. That deserved an Oscar, I haven't seen any better from modern winners in decades.

[@jim2lane]

She did receive an Academy Award nomination for this role though - both her and Tatum O'Neil. Should she have won instead of Tatum - hard to say, both were absolutely incredible performances 😊

[@bronxboy47]

This is one of the best monologues ever captured on film!

[@patriciaalley1562]

Young Frankenstein.

[@jjkhawaiian]

How do you do? How do you do? So, what is it you... do do?

[@bronxboy47]

@@jjkhawaiian I respond to stimulus. What do you do?

[@petergrundy8081]

What beautiful perfect acting and direction

[@TRONwuzhere82]

Here! Here! She was and STILL is one of my most favorite comediannes!

[@notaniceguy34]

THANK YOU! I have always felt that Madeline Kahn was robbed because the powers that be had Tatum O'Neal in the Best Supporting Actress category when she should have been in the Best Actress category.

[@KingKongFan]

There will NEVER be another Madeline Kahn, she was truly one in a million, or dare I say billion? How I adored this woman, she was a generous class act. I'm sure she is still thrilling those on a different plane.

[@IanForsythWestCoast]

I just realized that I have not seen this scene since I saw the movie when it came out in 1973, when I was 17. In fact the main reason I wanted to see Paper Moon was, number one, I have always loved the song, and number two, I had seen What’s Up Doc the year before, and had never laughed so hard in a movie theatre before or since...and although Streisand was the A-list draw, and I really liked her, and probably went to see What’s Up Doc because she was in it, and I also liked what Peter Bogdanovich was doing, having been destroyed the year before by The Last Picture Show. Madeline did not have the lead or anything close to it in What’s Up Doc, she was sort of the villain, Ryan O’Neal’s whiny girlfriend Eunice, getting between Ryan’s Howard and Barbra’s Judy.. But holy crap was she funny, and still sympathetic, in fact probably too sympathetic, because Barbra’s character was so opaque, she was hard to get close to. But Madeline’s Eunice was such a revelation, it would have been a crime to try to contain her. Like this scene in Paper Moon, I’ll never forget Eunice in her little Minnie Mouse shoes climbing up those rickety stairs to some really shady and seedy mob office or something, I can’t remember, and she was sort of whimpering “Howard, Howard”.....I gotta rent that movie and watch it again. But I digressed....although it’s been 47 (!?) years since I’ve seen this scene, I remember every moment of it....it should be shown to every aspiring actor, as a living lesson on how to turn on a dime, and use all your tools to get what you want. Brilliant....so sad she died so young, such a talent.

[@DorothyBishop]

I miss her so much. Gone too soon.

[@michaelmillett8724]

She was such a wonderful actress. I loved her in What's Up Doc and all the Mel Brooks films. What a shame she had to go so soon.

[@pecsbadman]

Eunice Burns!

[@rogeeeferrari]

Bone structure, !! What a great movie, streaming it now and have so much appreciation.

[@makeyourself1982]

Thank you the most Beautiful piece of Work, way back when 👏👏👏

[@Aubury]

A vast talent. Thank you for this clip.

[@WCaron23001]

Madeline was an AWESOME talent

[@myRadiotron]

"You like Mickey the Mouse? Oh, son of a bitch!!" That kills me every time.

[@NewsHistorian]

Madeline Kahn truly deserved the Oscar for this film and P.J. Johnson as Imogene deserved at least a supporting actress nomination. They were both laugh out load hilarious together using only timing, dry line delivery and withering looks.

[@arnoldamaral7406]

Rob M I wish they would of been in the movie much longer because frankly I can't stand Ryan ONiel.He was a horrible actor.I loved What's up Doc with Barbra Streisand.But Madeleine made the movie extra special.That was her first movie role & she was golden. Arnold Bourbon Amaral 🌏🌎🌍💙🎹🎶🎵

[@Sunshine-zm1fx]

This is such a fantastically written and acted scene. It's absolutely brilliant.

[@AishawithanEye]

I have no idea how I got this in my KZbin recommended but I sure am glad for it! Wow! What a performance from someone from some movie I've never heard of! It just proves that you don't need to keep seeking what's new to be blown away and the past is worth digging up the nuggets of gold for.

[@eduardoramirezjr4403]

Boston raised and covent school educated. Madeline Kahn had enormous range to morph into the characters she portrayed.

[@randydewees7338]

I love Madeline too, I can't add anything to all the great posts.

[@raininspain17]

madeline kahn sure was the best….always lit up the screen whenever she was in it :)

[@drumdude46]

Brilliant performance. She was just amazing. Truly.

[@dianneartist2280]

She has always been amazing, I remember "What's up Doc?" and this one, "Paper Moon" even when she didn't get to sing and she was rounder, she was so REAL and yet a little edgy. A professor once described it as "A character actor who plays lead roles." They are always the best and last the longest because they become the full character. They surprise you.

[@glgl1472]

I always liked her she was a very versatile actress and singer I just wish we would have had more opportunity to see her sit up front with that big talent

[@bhbluebird]

Great scene/monologue. Flawed, sad character who negotiates the situation by verbalizing tragic self-honesty.

[@henrybuist]

Probably my all-time favorite scene in any movie. Psychological poetry.

[@YoKeenVIII]

A very mooving scene. I love dear Madeline...

[@MichaelBrown-zd1zk]

Madeline Kahn was always my favorite actress.

[@patriciaalley1562]

The most underrated actresses of all time and what a comedian. I always loved her

[@jaysonbiggs8979]

Her trip was not supposed to have happened. She went it with and continued the monologue.

[@pixieanna2058]

jayson biggs she was the queen of improv.

[@YorkyOne]

@pykkervots No she doesn't, she looks to the shoe in her right hand. And wouldn't the director be behind the camera?

[@missyv8900]

😂🤣

[@haintedhouse2990]

thank God she tripped - her 'son of a bitch' is priceless.

[@Forever4film42]

That's what we loved about Madeline Kahn, a queen of improv and a gem in comedy!!

[@Charon58]

The early part where she stumbles and curses and then gets it back together....acting doesn't get any better than that.

[@KingOfHockeyNow]

Actually, I read somewhere that the stumble was real, and she just removed her shoe and kept on going, and they decided to leave it in.

[@drewcamero1489]

What more is there to say. She hit so many heart strings, I am speechless.

[@lethagramlich417]

She is one of my favorites! Such an actress!

[@husseinm.4723]

She was a singular talent. Forever missed.

[@margueritehudsell4454]

Madeline Kahn will always be one of my favorite actresses. Incredible talent. Modestly comedic.

[@LPJack02]

RIP Madeline Kahn (September 29, 1942 - December 3, 1999), aged 57 You will be remembered as a legend.

[@vampyrikus]

Incredible, Heart Breaking performance! 😢

[@pastor-tom-sims]

It is a brilliant monologue by Madeline Kahn. I also think that Tatum Oneal's eyes and facial expressions reflect a depth of skill and talent that are rare for one so young.

[@larrydirtybird]

A brilliant scene by a brilliant performer. Tatum O'Neill was the lead actress in this movie. It is so wrong that she and Madeline Kahn were nominated in the same category. Tatum was in every minute of the film, and Madeline was maybe in 20 minutes of it, tops. What you had was probably the best lead performance ever given by a child in a movie, against a comic genius in a brief role. They should have submitted Tatum as Best Actress and let the chips fall where they may. Maybe Madeline would have won then.

[@njplr]

+larrydirtybird One hunded percent agreed with you on this. Tatum was the lead actress and deserved the Oscar, while Madeline was by FAR the Best Supporting. What a wonderful movie this was, timeless, poignant, funny and FUN, all at once.

[@Kevin-rg3yc]

larrydirtybird agreed but I believe the Oscars didn't want to really nominate actresses under 20 for lead role to mainly compete with older actresses they still do (ex: Hailee Steinfield in true grit nominated for best supporting actress despite being in the movie every 5 minutes)

[@Alexprodi1]

larrydirtybird Linda Blair had more chances of winning for "The Exorcist".

[@pgiusto8189]

Brilliant performance!

[@gymshoe8862]

Fine acting from both! it was a great piece of theater and sadly will be glossed over by so many.

[@paoemantega8793]

She was so talented it is heartwarming to see

[@midnite22767]

One of my all time favorite movies, due in part to Ms. Kahn. RIP.

[@moburgsmyhero6974]

I used to have a crush on Madeline Kahn when I was a young boy, easy to see why after watching these older clips of her.

[@vijaynair2403]

One of the truly (twuly, as she woulda said) most amazing actresses, comedienne, human being ever to grace the screen. There’s something about her that I loved even when I was 8 and thought girls had cooties! 😆 We severely lack this kinda talent these days! I’m pretty sure she’s the reason why I have thing for redheads!

[@reconnsupernaturalsyndicat1493]

Agree. I hung out with Alvin Sargent quite a few times. Such a humble fella. We had a love of Buddy Rich and also spent time w his wife Laura Ziskin. Such amazing people. I attended their wedding as well. Memories I will never forget.

[@danheilman7729]

"Do you like Mickey the Mouse?" Oh dear, she was a classic.

[@ChrisLee66]

I had always missed that exact line, hysterical !! TY

[@sowkguy]

OMG this is them exact line I'm picked up on

[@xXkiki012Xx]

Hey, how'd you like a coloring book? You like Mickey the Mouse?- OH SON OF A BITCH! best Best BEST

[@samanthagonzalez8555]

noc7 I LAUGHED SO HARD

[@legoferdinand2183]

Hey, how'd you like a coloring book? Would you like that? You like Mickey the Mouse :D?- OH SON OF A BITCH ):O! LOLXD My favorite part in the movie

[@legomanjordan773]

I would repeat that part over and over again😂

[@neilerone]

So miss her. Brilliant actor!

[@joycerandall1935]

I loved this show and all the actors who played in it. They were wonderful.

[@littleghostfilms3012]

One of my favorite scenes in my movie watching history. So much going on; comedy. pathos, frustration, heart tugging, desperation, all done seamlessly by Madeline. She was priceless in this, and in all her films was the secret sauce. Love her truly, madly!

[@Elleoaqua]

that was the talk Farrah needed to have with Tatum. A foreshadowing of doom

[@Fandango541]

I'm crying as a watch this. Crying because a beautiful, wonderfully talented actress left us far to soon. She was the best (see Gregory Wright's comment below). She was so talented and by all accounts her sweetness and generosity were just not her acting lines, they were really her. God I love her still today.

[@donbrown1284]

Just brilliant...makes me cry every time while I'm laughing.

[@margueritehudsell4454]

One of the best scenes ever captured on film.

[@cletuswombat2694]

I always come back to this... oh how I misss her sooo mmuch .. flames...

[@Ivehadenuff]

I loved this scene! She is great!

[@fabulousk8]

I FORGOT she was in this! God, I wish we still had her around. I watch her when I get depressed.

[@valmarsiglia]

She took a character who was essentially a caricature and imbued her with real depth and humanity.

[@flower2364]

I loved this actress in the everything she ever did. R.I.P.

[@anandarochisha]

I totally agree..this was a showstopper..worth a best supporting actress or something

[@justsayin1643]

Tatum O’Neal and Madeline Kahn IMHO carried this movie. Even the actress P J Johnson who played Imogene was notable.

[@mandysimmons2769]

Brilliant! I was Tatum's age when this came out and my dad and I saw it so it was special to us to talk about for years. Even I at that age could tell how amazing this scene was. It has not lost anything with time.

[@bHuffy82]

She was awesome in this scene...

[@bubbadogproductions7403]

I had the absolute pleasure of being on set in the early 90s with Madeline Kahn on a Kurt Vonnegut production. She was a super talented and charming professional whom I treasured having had the opportunity to meet. She left to soon.

[@lucysweeney8347]

Thank you for sharing the memory and adding to our knowledge of Madeline's life.Kurt too was exceptional.

[@BushyHairedStranger]

0:47,….You’re already got Bone struuhhsture!!!

[@tomjoad2752]

Tatums smirk at the end is real. It was kept a secret that Madeline would deliver the "big T" line.

[@MichaelAkoneto]

Can you count how many times she says the word Bone Structure

[@observerofmadness4170]

Madelyn Kahn was a genius! I loved her appearance on the Carol Burnette show. She was awesome as Martha Mitchell in the movie Nixon. She was good in every role she had even if they were small. She captured your attention and you remembered her.

[@lauracreighton3734]

She was just an awesome person.

[@mschickie007]

Ahhh Madeline was one they broke the mold after !

[@Ninafan68]

Wow, I love her so much!

[@julesjohnson247]

My favorite movie Paper Moon! She was brilliant in Young Frankenstein !

[@khunt2055]

She was one of the Greats!

[@davidcochrane2739]

Madeline gosh Madeline you were so good!