All About Me! Summary

"Tragedy is when I cut my finger. Comedy is when you fall into an open sewer and die." This irreverent wit captures the essence of Mel Brooks's lifelong commitment to comedy, turning even hardship into humor.

1. Finding Comedy in Tough Beginnings

Growing up in a small tenement in Brooklyn during the 1920s, Mel Brooks discovered the power of humor early in life. He was small for his age and struggled to fit in, but comedy became his tool to break through social barriers and connect with peers. His knack for making others laugh proved to be his way of surviving and thriving in a tough environment.

Brooklyn also nurtured his fascination with entertainment. Movies and theater provided an escape from his modest surroundings, sparking his dream of creating magic on stage or screen. A pivotal moment came when his Uncle Lee took him to see the Broadway production of Anything Goes. That experience solidified his desire to pursue a career in show business.

Before Hollywood came calling, Mel honed his skills by working as a tummler in the Borscht Belt, entertaining vacationing guests at a lodge. Even war and his time in the military didn't derail his comedic ambitions; performing for troops during WWII gave him an outlet for his creativity.

Examples

• Used humor to gain acceptance among neighborhood kids, despite his smaller stature.
• Saw Anything Goes and instantly knew he wanted a career in show business.
• Entertained soldiers during his military service, keeping morale high during tough times.

2. The Sid Caesar Connection

Mel's career took a giant leap forward when Sid Caesar, a comics' comic, entered his life. This partnership began when a mutual connection introduced them, and it changed the trajectory of Brooks's career forever.

Sid invited Mel to join his writing team for Admiral Broadway Revue and later Your Show of Shows. These opportunities allowed Mel to refine his comedic voice and gain exposure in the world of television. His contributions to these programs cemented his reputation as a comedy writer, and the shows became huge successes.

Mel's success as a TV writer didn’t happen overnight, though. He got his start by providing Caesar with jokes and fresh material to keep his performances sharp throughout long days of shooting.

Examples

• Met Sid Caesar backstage thanks to producer Don Appell.
• Contributed to Admiral Broadway Revue, famously writing jokes that kept the show dynamic.
• Became part of a renowned writing team for Your Show of Shows, which turned them into cultural icons of the 1950s.

3. Thriving on Resilience During Tough Times

Post-Sid Caesar, Mel faced economic uncertainty but didn’t let setbacks deter him. In a period when steady work was hard to find, he created skits, accepted any project, and even leaned on a close-knit group of friends for support.

Teaming up with Carl Reiner, Brooks created The 2000 Year Old Man, a groundbreaking comedy sketch that found instant acclaim. Their repeated television appearances revived Mel’s fortune and gained him wider recognition. However, these successes didn’t mean a smooth ride, forcing Mel to take odd gigs and live on scraps at times.

His personal life also provided solace and motivation. Anne Bancroft, who eventually became his wife, not only steadied him emotionally but also shared his belief in his talent, pushing Mel to leap back into show business with full gusto.

Examples

• Created The 2000 Year Old Man alongside Carl Reiner to great success.
• Took on odd jobs like voiceovers and commercial gigs to survive.
• Used evenings out with his “Chinese Gourmet Society” of friends to find balance.

4. Reinventing Television with Get Smart

When given the chance to co-create a secret agent comedy, Mel turned conventional ideas on their heads. Instead of a suave and sophisticated spy, Mel devised Maxwell Smart, a bumbling yet well-meaning character who managed to save the day amid chaos.

Alongside collaborator Buck Henry, Brooks spent months shaping Get Smart, carefully crafting its satire and absurd humor. Even though ABC passed on the show initially, NBC ignited the production, leading to a series that captivated audiences and achieved tremendous longevity.

This project marked a turning point, stabilizing Mel’s financial life and giving him the momentum to propose to Anne Bancroft, the love of his life.

Examples

• Proposed and developed Maxwell Smart, an anti-james Bond spy character.
• Convinced NBC to back Get Smart after rejection by ABC.
• Marry Anne Bancroft after earning steady income from the first season’s success.

5. Shifting Gears—Filmmaking with The Producers

Mel had always dreamed of writing a Broadway play, but his first masterpiece didn’t graces the stage—it debuted on the big screen. The Producers, originally envisioned as a play, morphed into a movie after producers noted its cinematic potential.

The film tackled taboo subjects like fascism with bold comedic flair. It not only won critical acclaim but also earned Mel an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, solidifying his transition from TV writer to film auteur.

Mel took a hands-on approach to directing, which allowed him to learn filmmaking from the ground up while showcasing his unique comedic tone.

Examples

• Transformed Springtime for Hitler into the film The Producers.
• Worked with Sidney Glazier, who helped raise funds for the movie’s production.
• Won an Oscar for his sharp, original screenplay.

6. A Surge of Box Office Smashes

After The Producers, Mel went on a creative tear, directing a slew of successful comedy films. From the satirical genius of Blazing Saddles to the delightful homage of Young Frankenstein, these projects redefined cinematic comedy.

The ensemble cast and irreverent tone of Blazing Saddles brought political satire to mainstream audiences. Then came Young Frankenstein’s homage to the horror genre, filmed in black and white for an authentic feel. Mel’s comedic fingerprints shaped each production.

He showed a willingness to collaborate, partnering with talented writers and actors like Gene Wilder to bring diverse, creative ideas to life.

Examples

• Directed Blazing Saddles, a satirical Western comedy.
• Took Young Frankenstein to new heights with its nostalgic tone and style.
• Released back-to-back successes like Silent Movie and History of the World, Part I.

7. Diversifying Through Brooksfilms

Feeling pigeonholed as a comedic director, Mel ventured into dramatic filmmaking with the creation of Brooksfilms. This company allowed him to produce movies outside his comedic wheelhouse.

They began with Fatso, a heartfelt drama directed by his wife, Anne Bancroft. Brooksfilms later produced The Elephant Man, which earned critical praise for its poignant storytelling, followed by the horror-tinged The Fly. These efforts proved that Mel’s creativity extended far beyond comedy.

Brooksfilms gave Mel the freedom to explore different genres, adding depth to his filmmaking legacy.

Examples

• Produced The Elephant Man, a profound drama about deformity and humanity.
• Created Fatso, the first project under the Brooksfilms banner.
• Found box-office success with the sci-fi horror hit The Fly.

8. Triumph on Broadway

Decades after conceptualizing The Producers, Mel finally saw his vision come to fruition as a smash-hit Broadway musical. The shift wasn’t easy—he rewrote the story for the stage and composed original songs.

The venture had its challenges, from losing the original director to changes in the production team, but it all paid off. The Producers won a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards, earning Mel another wave of industry recognition and cementing his place among entertainment legends.

The play not only revived his early Broadway dream but also expanded his creative influence.

Examples

• Reworked The Producers film into a Broadway musical in the early 2000s.
• Won an array of Tony Awards for his efforts, creating a watershed moment in his career.
• Reaffirmed his versatility and dominance in yet another entertainment medium.

9. A Life of Perseverance and Passion

Mel Brooks’s story is one of relentless determination. From a difficult childhood in Brooklyn to defining moments in Hollywood and beyond, his journey reflects the power of tenacity and humor.

Though he faced periods of uncertainty and criticism, Mel always found ways to reinvent himself. His enduring passion for comedy and entertainment radiated through every role he took on, leaving an indelible legacy.

Examples

• Relied on comedy to cope with hardship as a child.
• Constantly reinvented his career, from TV to film to Broadway.
• Achieved EGOT status and received the National Medal of Arts, crowning his milestones.

Takeaways

1. Use humor as a tool to handle adversity and connect with others—laughter can build bridges in even the toughest situations.
2. Be open to reinvention in your career; taking creative risks can lead to transformative outcomes.
3. Surround yourself with supportive collaborators who believe in your vision during both highs and lows.