Marty Feldman on Young Frankenstein and Working With Mel Brooks | Carson Tonight Show

Original Airdate: 07/15/1977
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[@Frankincensedjb123]

I've never heard Feldman just talk. He's a surprisingly lowkey guy. Also, seems very kind and grounded. Ah, the old talk shows, when they were more focused on the conversation than just games and laughter.

[@SteelMagnolia55]

AND political bs!

[@OldSoulJer]

I’m almost 25 and Young Frankenstein is not only one of my favorite movies but perhaps the greatest comedy ever made

[@MrMenefrego1]

You are a wise young man!

[@gregmize01]

ABBY NORMAL

[@howardford6991]

Here is what "makes" this movie for me. They had the foresight to film it in black & white..........even though movies had been made in color for over 50 yrs. They had to fight the studio tooth and nail. The studio thought filming in B&W was a stupid idea. But eventually they won out and it was filmed in black and white. And it was absolutely BRILLIANT, because B&W really gives the movie an old time feel.

[@DonaldGerbino]

Wanna really see how great young Frankenstein is watch the first 2 Frankenstein and rhe bride of Frankenstein, then you'll see how brilliant a movie it really is

[@Piolin333]

It's funny. But Mel Brooks history of the world, the original Porky's movie or Animal House is up there too. Remember watching Animal House at my next door neighbor's when it was on the movie channel back in the 80s and one of our friends was cracking up when the parade float that's said "Eat Me" was going by the crowd. And he kept repeating eat me our neighbors mom came in and said what's going on. 😄

[@jonrettich4579]

Feldman was a gift, passed so young. Carson always brings out the best. Thank you for this

[@moncorp1]

5 packs a day will do it to ya

[@edwardrodriguez9077]

I grew up watching the Carson show and I forgot how gracious he was interviewing actors and pop figures, . Marty Feldman was such a cool guy , we need more people like Marty today so sad these guys are no longer around.i guess life goes on.

[@MrMenefrego1]

That doesn't mean we can't mourn the death of a pretty great Yesterday.

[@jonhohensee3258]

zzzzzzzz.....

[@mikehughes4969]

Marty Feldman was one of those brilliant oddballs, who come around once in a generation. If we're lucky. We lost him far to soon.

[@drumbum3.142]

(Completely) Different Type of Comedy; but I'd also like to add one Ernie Kovacs, as recipient; to such astute Remembrance Accolades. .

[@ellegroover]

When and how did he die?

[@stevesabo1269]

​​@ellegroover1050H e died of a heart attack in a hotel room in Mexico while he was working on the film Yellobeard. He was a heavy cigarette smoker, 5 packs a day. He was definitely one of a kind.

[@dezznutz3743]

He was also a child predator and a pedo. Why are people thumbing this up? This is disgusting, this shouldnt have been uploaded!

[@JackClayton123]

He stated he could have his eyes and features adjusted, but he would have been a Cary Grant look alike. This way, he was unique. Great all round person!

[@alanfine9825]

I always loved Marty, but never saw him interviewed...Thx Once Again J.C. Miss you both!

[@truthsayer9534]

Marty was so soft-spoken and seems like a genuinely nice man.

[@rustybearden1800]

So wonderful to see Marty, out of character, relaxed, among friends and admirers, being his charming self. Such a marvelous, genuine entertainer who cemented his own iconic style of comedy. JC does it again!

[@bonzoleum]

Well said!

[@rustybearden1800]

@@bonzoleum he really was the Buster Keaton of modern comedy (minus the terrifying stunts) Marty could make you laugh without saying a word!

[@jmadratz]

And with normal eye bulging

[@CHT420]

Such a soft spoken man who was crazy characters in so many movies and television

[@CHT420]

@@jmadratzhe had Graves Disease

[@rickricky6421]

“The funniest things are in the script.” Classy move. He was making sure to credit the writers. Some actors go on talk shows and say they improved all the best stuff.

[@lawrencedoliveiro9104]

Just the slightest little touch of British snark ...

[@GrilloTheFlightless]

He was a writer before he was a performer so I guess he understood the value of good writers.

[@stedbenj]

Oh hush, you don't need to dog someone to praise another.

[@danielwesterlund1905]

A movie can be funny without improv, but improv can't save an unfunny script.

[@cc1k435]

That particular film was written/directed/produced by Mel Brooks & Gene Wilder, I believe, so it probably didn't hurt to throw around nice comments about the movie. By all accounts, though, they all had a blast making that movie. 😂

[@fletch4813]

I'd never seen him.out of character. What a gentle soul

[@user2144]

Young Frankenstein is a great, great, film! So many terrific scenes.

[@haplessasshole9615]

I think it's the best of all Mel Brooks's movies, and he made a lot of dynamite movies. If I were to compile a list of Most Quotable Movies, *Young Frankenstein* and *Casablanca* would be duking it out for the #2 spot. What's my #1 Most Quotable Movie? *The Princess Bride* of course!

[@MACHOO179]

BLUKA 😂

[@haplessasshole9615]

@@MACHOO179 You mean "Blucher."

[@bottomup12]

Sedagive?! Lol

[@jeannecox948]

Sedative! Brilliant stuff from Mel Brooks. He, along with Marty Feldman we both absolute geniuses xxxxxxx

[@pavelkish7142]

GOD bless Marty. He was one of those unique and funny that made you laugh in this dark world.

[@randyjon224]

One of the most talented actors of his time. Abby someone, Abby-norrrmal. 😂🤣

[@joebiggs4387]

That’s one of the funniest lines of all time!🎉

[@alanmurray5963]

..... he's going to be very popular...😂😂😂😂😂😂🔥💥🔥🔥❤️💕

[@ashleybonanno3043]

BWAHAHAHAHA!!!🤣😂🤣

[@charlie-obrien]

One of three or four lines in Young Frankenstein that if delivered by anyone else but Marty would have fallen completely flat. His comedic delivery was impeccable. His performances on 1960's BBC comedy shows with the likes of John Cleese and others are memorably hilarious.

[@ashleybonanno3043]

(Marty Feldman) "Ixnay on the ottenray." BWAHAHAHAHA!!!🤣😂🤣🤣

[@Stevie-hn7mp]

Absolutely love watching Johnny Carson shows with all these great people. It’s absolutely incredible. Time capsule is the best .

[@billyrichards8834]

Marty Feldman was a BRILLIANT comedic actor. "Young Frankenstein" wouldn't have been as funny without him. Sure wish he was around longer to make more of his GREAT films.

[@jonrettich-ff4gj]

What a too early loss Feldman was. Carson is always low keyed brilliant. So glad these are not lost. Thank you

[@samsmith4216]

He seems like such a gentleman. He can you not like a person that can laugh at themselves as much as you can enjoy their humility and respect it.

[@dezznutz3743]

HES A CHILD PREDATOR and a CHILD RAPIST. WTF! WTF IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE???

[@teresayeates3437]

I still see Marty in the scene from Beau Geste, in the mud, absolutely covered, then he opened his eyes. Absolutely brilliant!

[@Simon-jc1xm]

Many thanks for sharing this magic moments😊

[@leannsherman6723]

Love that Marty Feldman used the word “mishagus” - a Yiddish word for nonsense. 😂❤

[@pedalboy]

Feldman had a summer variety show and I could never stop laughing. He was brilliant and when he died I was shocked and saddened.

[@MuzixMaker]

I remember, it was hilarious. 1972. The animated credits were done by Terry Gilliam of Monty Python fame. Apparently it’s not available.

[@reginamerwin935]

I remember that show! It was hilarious!

[@abdul-malikasad3785]

I loved that show

[@Renshen1957]

Same here, that show was pure genius. Marty also did a stint as a boxer.

[@MyLateralThawts]

I think it was John Cleese who suggested Marty participate in a sketch. David Frost asked whether he’ll be funny. To which John replied “Well look at him!” And the rest is history.

[@marcdavis2745]

Brilliantly Funny I saw it in 1974 I Was Only 15. As A 63 Year Old, I Know This Movies Is Pure Comedy Genius

[@paulguerrero3560]

I miss Marty Feldman, saw a movie of his along w/his young son. The son looked like his father. Best movie he made, Young Frankenstein.

[@bighuge1060]

Thank you for posting this video. Here, we have a sincere guest being interviewed by a sincere, non-political host. This is almost unheard of today where everything has an agenda. Again, thank you again.

[@bethbaldoni8310]

Watched Johnny for 30 yrs. Every night. Whole family together.

[@handsfirstflower3639]

Oh man, and Louie Bellson was off camera on the drums! Louie was a legend. He invented double bass drum playing when he was in high school in the 40s. Even for non-musicians, he has been a massive influence on the musical scene and everyone has experienced his influence.

[@skipmoto3438]

Nothing like watching a little Johnny Carson to brighten up your day, while the world is going to s***. 🍺😁👍

[@malachichampion]

It's okay to curse on the internet

[@Cream1968]

Kimmel doesn’t do it for you? 😉

[@skipmoto3438]

​@@Cream1968 Not even close

[@Cream1968]

@@skipmoto3438 Today’s Late night talk shows….🤮🤮

[@billybob9961]

There’s more entertainment value in these small clips then all three of the late night shows put together of today.

[@robertsprouse9282]

Four early late shows= counting cable, not three. And, the one on cable gets higher numbers than any of the three on the broadcasts. Its also the most unpredictable and offers another viewpoint not found on the broadcasts.

[@KOSMICKEN09]

I prefer David Letterman but - ah to each his own 🤩😄

[@LadyLiet]

You can say that 10 times and it wouldn't be an overstatement!

[@lindaclark9925]

😂 SO. TRUE.

[@melissalambert7615]

I remember an interview of Marty. They asked if he ever felt his eye condition held him back. He said, without it I would never have been famous. Fun seeing him "out of character". Seems like a nice person.

[@lauriefrancisco1084]

I watched The Tonight Show pretty religiously but somehow missed this interview! In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen just a straightforward interview of him like this. He is surprisingly soft spoken! A shock considering he’s such an out there, hilarious guy! Of course, Young Frankenstein is iconic and one of the funniest movies ever made! Everyone in it must have thanked their lucky stars for their involvement! Many thanks to Mel Brooks and the cast for such a memorable movie! And though there are many oft quoted lines, for some reason the one that has come out of my mouth most often is, “It could be worse. It could be raining!” 😂

[@Snowmad46]

“What the hell you doing in the bathroom day and night..!? Why don’t you get outta there and give someone else a chance..!?” 🤣

[@AAZEDLARC]

My parents let me watch "Young Frank" at age 10 and I got all of the jokes despite being raised in a very sheltered environment. Pure genius

[@wightangel]

Thank you for the upload. I thought Marty was overlooked so many times in his career. He was brilliant in a film called "Yellowbeard".

[@MrTruckerf]

"It's a crock-o-dile, sir!"

[@WinfreyWright]

"You take the blond, I'll take the one in the turbin" and Madeline Kahn's scream when Feldman bit at her fox fur...priceless.

[@louhutchinson5980]

I love that scene too

[@TrackMaster844]

I always thought it was a dog bark lol

[@mindriot91_96]

He's so soft-spoken in real life, wonderful person. RIP.

[@davidmuncy7862]

What a genuinely humble human. Such a special person

[@DJ-bj8ku]

Marty had such a brilliant wit delivered so subtly, it sometimes escaped the audience.

[@LadyLiet]

I noticed that also. He is also much more outspoken than I thought he would. I don't know if the audience couldn't hear him, or just didn't pick up on all of his humorous quips.

[@kaymad143]

I have never seen Marty Feldman in a talk show and had no idea he was from England! He was so funny! The desk drum was awesome!

[@BubbaHead1]

Hands down the funniest physical Comedian of my generation. Much luv Marty. ❤

[@bhornannawindeedeigh5007]

Marty Feldman was a sweetheart. I loved him. He was brilliant. I loved the one season of his show the Marty Feldman Comedy Machine (1971). And naturally, he was more than funny af in Young Frankenstein! 🤣😂 OMG! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣! "What hump?" "No - this way." "There wolf. 👉🏻" "Abby, I think it was. Yes. That's it... Abby Normal." "Said a give." His delivery was flawless. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. Best movie EVER. PERIOD. 🤣😂

[@TLhike]

So many of his responses are hilarious and went straight over audience heads. Hes so quick. Genius

[@jamescrossland2599]

To me the definition of comedy is the "Puttin' on the Ritz" dance no. from Young Frankie ❤

[@JackClayton123]

Ya, I kept playing that clip to my mother-in-law after she had a (minor) stroke. That and shopping for wheelchairs with my son-in-laws offering to pitch in for a speak-and-spell, eventually made her seeks treatment (stubborn).

[@81kentboy]

Marty had so much grace and was just naturally cool

[@SoloPilot6]

Some describe Carson as a skilled host, able to bring out the best in guests, but if you watched him over the years, you learned that he was HAVING FUN, then just sharing with the rest of us.

[@melaniekeeling7462]

I have read that he was an intensely shy person.

[@pHD77]

I guess the closest we are getting to this style of talkshow today can be seen on the Graham Norton show.

[@jillkjv3816]

After What's Up, Doc? (1972) Young Frankenstein is my favorite movie of the 1970's. 😊

[@furnitureconsortium]

This was a great interview.....Carson could interview anybody and still hit it out of the park! I can't remember the actual visual affliction that Feldman had.....he does explain the bulging aspect of it with the thyroid condition he had.....I think Jack Elam also had the same condition, if anybody remembers him. Elam was in a bunch of movies and was probably best remembered as the doctor who traveled with Burt Reynolds and Dom Deluise in the Cannonball Run.

[@samspurgeon4222]

I have Grave's Disease, it's caused by hyperthyroidism, your thyroid runs too fast and since it controls a lot of important functions in your body, it can be hard to deal with at times. My eyes have bulged out like Marty's in the past few years and my eyeballs have literally moved. If you cross your eyes and look around, that's how my vision is. Along with other problems, I have to concentrate and stare to read or see to type this message even. It's incredibly painful tbh and how Marty was able to do such hilarious work while dealing with it is a testament to his genius and talent.

[@linda6987]

Young Frankenstein is my all time favorite movies! I love Marty Feldman, gone too soon! ♥️

[@dougrose7334]

The world could use some Marty Feldman's right now

[@jamesroof6150]

1977 was tons of fun. I was 18 and saw all of Mel Brooks movies. Loved Monty Pythons Flying Circus and movies, SCTV, SNL and alot of Grateful Dead shows. 77 = great times

[@postscript67]

"How are you doing?" "I don't know. I'm not a critic." That was pretty quick (unless of course it is an old gag).

[@MrMenefrego1]

I'm in my 60s, and I've never heard it before.

[@MahlonEdwards]

@@MrMenefrego1 I've not,either. But whether rehearsed and staged or not it is not without accuracy and humor for sure. Funniest to me is his comment to Johnny's statement And Ann Margaret is in the film...Yes, they are! Had to cc to read it,though. 🤣🤣

Johnny was the best and brought out the best in all of his guests. He was attentive and caring and curious and looking for the bridge of the laugh to entertain.

[@vinnypaolello9354]

One of the greatest guys ever. They should've shown the clip.

[@johncollins7062]

Our electoral Republic is the only country, in history, founded on proprietary insight. Why should you get to see it for free?

[@johnhiggins2685]

So much talent. Amazing how he looks at carson and the camera at the same time.

[@jarrellbyerly969]

I’m still growing up. Great line . ❤

[@nasticanasta]

I discovered Marty Feldman back in the early 70's with his "Wacky World of Marty Feldman" and then the very first airing of Monty Python came after that back when PBS was worth watching, Dave Allen, The Two Ronnies, Goodies, The Young Ones..great shows

[@matthewbrooks1556]

I remember the Two Ronnies as well!

[@AAZEDLARC]

I wish I'd got to meet Mr. Feldman. He was great friends with Flanagan from Largo. Seemed like a lovely soul

[@johnbrennan9584]

Marty Feldman always reminds me of Peter Lorre. Both stood out in any film they did, great actors.

[@WaterShowsProd]

Interesting story about Peter Lorre. He was part of the avant-garde theatre which relied on expressionism and raw emotion. He became extremely popular after his role in M, so when The Nazis decided to start going after theatre artists they gave him prior warning so he'd be able to escape. He went ot England and did his first roles learning the lines phonetically. He was such a brilliant actor.

[@tryarunm]

Johnny: Two grown men playing Desk. Marty: This desk is not tuned. Johnny: Normally it's a B-flat desk. Great to see American and British humour play off each other.

[@stephenannese8228]

Loved Marty back in the 70's, he had his own brief tv show too (I believe) on Thursday nights,....he left us waaayyy to early.

[@DrSkull1939]

Hated when he passed on because I was looking for more comedy from him. He was also correct about Soccer catching on. Though I will always love my American 🏈, I do understand why folks like it. Like Marty said, anyone can play it. Great interview by Johnny as always....

[@stevensprunger3422]

It’s wonderful to see him in this interview with Johnny Carson he’s so he seems so introverted it’s so wild at the same time kind of shy what kind of curious what a wonderful man he has I would’ve loved to have met him I’ve got his autograph

[@tomitstube]

marty a brilliant man, made the most of his lot in life, as with johnny an avid drummer and lover of music, a really progressive ideology, great writer, actor, all of it, marty could do anything he set his mind to.

[@coryfrey6199]

such a funny sweet guy!! Young Frankenstein is one of my favorite Mel Brooks movies!!! lol

[@nancyholcombe8030]

two of the greatest of all time! I miss them both.

[@ryanellis4474]

What a great exchange!

[@dgetzin]

"It's a b-flat desk" - NO ONE in the audience caught that - utter genius.

[@johncollins7062]

Of course they did. It just rolled under: "This desk is not tuned."

[@clarabrown9743]

3:51 Johnny: "This is an A-flat desk. Normally it's a B-flat desk." :)

[@randysalles2292]

Priceless

[@pearlsammo1638]

Two legends!

[@EmpyrionBlackthorn]

The reason Blazing Saddles is my favorite Mel Brooks movie is because it has Cleavon Little and the reason Young Frankenstein is my favorite Mel Brooks movie is because it has Marty Feldman.

[@NorthernChev]

Growing up in the 70s I never really liked Marty's comedy but this changes everything. He has a particular genius I never realized.

[@brocktoon8]

"This desk is not tuned . . " 🤣

[@MacDaddyRico]

What knockers..! Vy, dank you doctor...

[@ScarlettFire341]

Igor, would you give me a hand with the bags? - Soitainly. You take the blonde, I'll take the one in the turban.

[@wersimantje4268]

Big fan of Marty I like his humor always fun😀

[@richardcline1337]

There will never be another Johnny Carson. The human SEWAGE on late night television now aren't good enough to even lick Johnny's feet were he still alive.

[@bumbleWeaver]

thank you so much!!!!

[@toddwilkinson5474]

Great interview. It's sad the world lost Marty too early. I wish he worked more with Monty Python.

[@woodyhaney]

Wonderful man gone way too soon, that Mr Feldman.

[@greglombardi90]

An all-time legend. The universe is balls.

[@Originalacousticmusic]

My favorite actor !

[@geoffreybermingham454]

Feldman's EYE-gor is simply one of the great comic turns in cinema history.

[@philipbonner6486]

Marty Feldman was sadly not with us long, and when he was he left us with great comedy.

[@ashleybonanno3043]

"Young Frankenstein" has given me a lifetime of hilarious movie quotes!🤣😂 Of course, "Blazing Saddles," in my opinion, is my all-time favorite Mel Brooks film😁

[@elizabethmckenna5397]

Scuse’ me while I whip this out!

[@ashleybonanno3043]

@elizabethmckenna5397 🤣 🤣 And of all the places for him to reach, he went straight for his crotch! BWAHAHAHA!!

[@lawrencedoliveiro9104]

Richard Pryor co-wrote _Blazing Saddles_ with Mel Brooks, and was supposed to star in it. But given his well-known substance-abuse proclivities, the completion guarantors would not insure the production with him in it. So they had to find someone else.

[@ashleybonanno3043]

@lawrencedoliveiro9104 And believe me, they found the best choice for playing the sheriff of Rock Ridge!

[@raffaelefilosofi3630]

Fascinating guy

[@susannebass1883]

Blessings be upon them 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@bobbyblenio4571]

How ya Doin ?…”I Don’t Know,I’m Not a Critic”🤣🤣🤣

[@rerite2]

RIP, Marty.

[@robertkroberjr.157]

I Remember when The Last Remake of Beau Geste came out on Hollywood Home Theater! (Pre- HBO) I remember using an antenna wire to "unscramble" the signal! Good times!

[@ScreaminSavior]

Marty is brilliant and I love watching him natural here, but most of all I love he's wearing a Rocky Horror Picture Show shirt!

[@ChilliCheezdog]

'Walk this way.' Aerosmith had the idea for the song after watching Young Frankenstein.

[@BigMovieNight-bg8fw]

I advise people to listen to his writing, especially the very best "Around The Horn"

[@sinrob1]

I liked his entrance music..."Them There Eyes"

[@JoannHines-g6f]

"Eye-Gor"!!❤😂❤

[@walkerharris2844]

"Ann Margret is in the picture" "They certainly are" LOL

[@Dale-u6n]

Ten thousand thumbs up!!!!!

[@55hivealive3]

"Young Frankenstein" was laugh out loud funny, they don't make them like they used to. Mel Brooks was a comedic genius. Even his weaker outings (High Anxiety) was hilarious. And who could ever forget the hilarious Cloris Leachman and her Nurse Diesel and Frau Bluecher.

[@SurLaMer_]

To me, YF was Mel's masterpiece, but most seem to think it was Blazing Saddles

[@KennyRider137]

The RHPS T-shirt just makes Marty even cooler.

[@michaelmarrone5768]

One of my favorite lines from Young Frankenstein was when the Doctor yells at Igor, Damn your eyes , then the close up of Marty who says Too late.

[@stevedexter-ns7qj]

What a lovely guy and oh so funny😅

[@sketchypeoplepdx]

Young Frankenstein is so good! Marty carries that one with his amazing performance. YF is such an amazing cast overall.