The Extraordinary Marty Feldman: From 'Young Frankenstein' To 'Blazing Saddles'

Marty Feldman (1934-1982) was a British comedian, actor, and writer known for his distinctive physical appearance and surreal humor.

Feldman was born in London and began his career as a stand-up comedian in the early 1960s. He rose to fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a member of the comedy troupe Monty Python's Flying Circus. Feldman also starred in several films, including "Young Frankenstein" (1974), "Silent Movie" (1976), and "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother" (1975).

Feldman's comedy was often characterized by its absurdity and surrealism. He frequently played characters who were eccentric, neurotic, and often physically deformed. Feldman's unique brand of humor has influenced many subsequent comedians, including Steve Martin, John Cleese, and Sacha Baron Cohen.

Marty Feldman

Marty Feldman was a British comedian, actor, and writer known for his distinctive physical appearance and surreal humor. He was a member of the comedy troupe Monty Python's Flying Circus and starred in several films, including "Young Frankenstein" and "Silent Movie." Feldman's comedy was often characterized by its absurdity and surrealism.

• Comedian
• Actor
• Writer
• Monty Python
• Young Frankenstein
• Silent Movie
• Absurdity
• Surrealism

Feldman's unique brand of humor has influenced many subsequent comedians, including Steve Martin, John Cleese, and Sacha Baron Cohen. He was a master of physical comedy and his characters were often eccentric, neurotic, and physically deformed. Feldman's comedy was often dark and subversive, but it was always funny. He was a true original and his work continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.

1. Comedian

Marty Feldman was a comedian who rose to fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a member of the comedy troupe Monty Python's Flying Circus. Feldman's comedy was often characterized by its absurdity and surrealism, and he frequently played characters who were eccentric, neurotic, and often physically deformed.

Feldman's unique brand of humor has influenced many subsequent comedians, including Steve Martin, John Cleese, and Sacha Baron Cohen. He was a master of physical comedy and his characters were often memorable and hilarious.

Feldman's work as a comedian is significant because it helped to change the face of comedy in the 1960s and 1970s. His surreal and absurdist humor was a break from the more traditional stand-up comedy of the time, and it helped to pave the way for a new generation of comedians.

2. Actor

Marty Feldman was an actor who starred in several films, including "Young Frankenstein," "Silent Movie," and "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother." He was known for his distinctive physical appearance and surreal humor, which he often incorporated into his acting roles.

• Physical Comedy
  Feldman was a master of physical comedy, and his characters were often characterized by their eccentric movements and exaggerated expressions. He used his physicality to create memorable and hilarious characters, such as Igor in "Young Frankenstein" and Lurch in "The Addams Family."
• Surreal Humor
  Feldman's humor was often surreal and absurd, and he frequently played characters who were strange and unpredictable. He was not afraid to take risks and experiment with different comedic styles, which resulted in some of the most memorable and iconic characters in film history.
• Character Roles
  Feldman was often cast in character roles, and he had a knack for creating memorable and sympathetic characters, even when they were physically deformed or mentally unstable. He brought a sense of humanity and warmth to his characters, even when they were at their most bizarre.
• Influence on Others
  Feldman's work as an actor has influenced many subsequent comedians and actors, including Steve Martin, John Cleese, and Sacha Baron Cohen. His unique brand of humor and his ability to create memorable characters have left a lasting legacy on the world of comedy.

Feldman's work as an actor is significant because it helped to change the face of comedy in the 1960s and 1970s. His surreal and absurdist humor was a break from the more traditional comedy of the time, and it helped to pave the way for a new generation of comedians and actors.

3. Writer

Marty Feldman was a writer who contributed to many of the comedy routines and sketches that he performed as a comedian and actor. He was a master of surreal and absurdist humor, and his writing often reflected his unique perspective on the world.

Feldman's writing was often characterized by its use of non-sequiturs, puns, and wordplay. He also frequently used physical comedy in his writing, and his characters were often involved in bizarre and surreal situations.

Feldman's writing has been praised for its originality and wit. He was a master of creating memorable and hilarious characters, and his work has influenced many subsequent comedians and writers.

4. Monty Python

Marty Feldman was a founding member of the British comedy troupe Monty Python. The troupe was known for its surreal and absurdist humor, and Feldman's unique comedic style was a major part of its success.

• Surreal Humor
  Monty Python's humor was often surreal and nonsensical, and Feldman was a master of this style. His characters were often strange and unpredictable, and he frequently used non-sequiturs and wordplay in his routines.
• Physical Comedy
  Feldman was also a master of physical comedy. His characters were often involved in bizarre and surreal situations, and he used his physicality to create some of the most memorable moments in Monty Python's history.
• Character Development
  Feldman was also a gifted character actor. He created a wide range of memorable characters for Monty Python, including Igor in "Young Frankenstein" and Lurch in "The Addams Family." His characters were often eccentric and neurotic, but they were also always funny and endearing.
• Influence on Others
  Monty Python has had a major influence on subsequent generations of comedians. Feldman's unique brand of humor has been particularly influential, and many comedians have cited him as an inspiration.

Feldman's work with Monty Python helped to change the face of comedy in the 1960s and 1970s. His surreal and absurdist humor was a break from the more traditional comedy of the time, and it helped to pave the way for a new generation of comedians.

5. Young Frankenstein

Marty Feldman played the role of Igor in the 1974 film "Young Frankenstein." Igor is a hunchbacked assistant to Dr. Frankenstein, and he is one of the most memorable characters in the film. Feldman's performance is both funny and touching, and he brings a great deal of humanity to the role.

• Physical Comedy
  Feldman was a master of physical comedy, and his performance as Igor is full of hilarious moments. He uses his body to great effect, and he creates a character that is both physically and emotionally expressive.
• Character Development
  Feldman's Igor is not just a one-dimensional comic character. He is a complex and sympathetic figure, and Feldman brings a great deal of depth to the role. He shows us Igor's vulnerability and his longing for acceptance.
• Relationship with Dr. Frankenstein
  Igor's relationship with Dr. Frankenstein is one of the most touching aspects of the film. Igor is fiercely loyal to Frankenstein, and he is always willing to help him, even when it means putting himself in danger.
• Influence on Others
  Feldman's performance as Igor has been praised by critics and audiences alike. He has been credited with creating one of the most iconic characters in film history, and his work has influenced many subsequent comedians and actors.

Feldman's performance in "Young Frankenstein" is a master class in comedic acting. He creates a character that is both funny and touching, and he brings a great deal of humanity to the role. Igor is one of the most memorable characters in the film, and he is a testament to Feldman's genius as a comedian and an actor.

6. Silent Movie

Marty Feldman starred in the 1976 film "Silent Movie," a parody of silent films. The film was directed by Mel Brooks, and it also starred Mel Brooks, Dom DeLuise, and Bernadette Peters. Feldman played the role of Marty Eggs, a hapless film director who is trying to make a silent film in the 1970s.

• Physical Comedy
  Feldman was a master of physical comedy, and his performance in "Silent Movie" is full of hilarious moments. He uses his body to great effect, and he creates a character that is both physically and emotionally expressive.
• Character Development
  Feldman's Marty Eggs is not just a one-dimensional comic character. He is a complex and sympathetic figure, and Feldman brings a great deal of depth to the role. He shows us Marty's vulnerability and his determination to succeed.
• Relationship with Mel Brooks
  Feldman's relationship with Mel Brooks is one of the most important aspects of the film. Brooks plays the role of the producer, and he is constantly berating and insulting Feldman. However, Feldman never gives up, and he eventually wins Brooks' respect.
• Influence on Others
  Feldman's performance in "Silent Movie" has been praised by critics and audiences alike. He has been credited with creating one of the most iconic characters in film history, and his work has influenced many subsequent comedians and actors.

Feldman's performance in "Silent Movie" is a master class in comedic acting. He creates a character that is both funny and touching, and he brings a great deal of humanity to the role. Marty Eggs is one of the most memorable characters in the film, and he is a testament to Feldman's genius as a comedian and an actor.

7. Absurdity

Absurdity is a key component of Marty Feldman's comedy. It is a form of humor that relies on the juxtaposition of incongruous or irrational elements to create a sense of the unexpected and provoke laughter. Feldman's use of absurdity often involves physical comedy, wordplay, and surreal imagery, resulting in a unique and memorable style.

• Unexpected juxtapositions
  

  Feldman frequently places characters or objects in unexpected or incongruous situations, creating a sense of absurdity. For example, in the film "Young Frankenstein," Feldman's character Igor is a hunchbacked assistant to Dr. Frankenstein, and he often finds himself in bizarre and surreal situations, such as being chased by a monster or singing a song about his hump.

• Non-sequiturs and wordplay
  

  Feldman's comedy also relies heavily on non-sequiturs and wordplay. He often uses nonsensical language or unexpected punchlines to create a sense of absurdity. For example, in the film "Silent Movie," Feldman's character Marty Eggs is trying to make a silent film, but he is constantly interrupted by absurd events, such as a cow walking into the shot or a group of people dancing the can-can for no reason.

• Surreal imagery
  

  Feldman's comedy also often involves surreal imagery, such as strange creatures, bizarre landscapes, and dreamlike sequences. These elements add to the sense of absurdity and create a unique and memorable comedic experience. For example, in the film "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother," Feldman's character Sneeze is a private detective who investigates a murder at a wax museum. The film is full of surreal imagery, such as a giant wax statue of Queen Victoria coming to life and a group of wax figures dancing the Charleston.

Feldman's use of absurdity is a major part of what makes his comedy so unique and memorable. He was a master of creating unexpected and surreal situations that provoked laughter and left a lasting impression on audiences.

8. Surrealism

Surrealism is an art movement that emerged in the early 20th century. It is characterized by the use of unexpected juxtapositions, non-sequiturs, and dreamlike imagery to create a sense of the irrational and the absurd. Marty Feldman was a British comedian and actor who was known for his surreal and absurdist humor. His work was heavily influenced by the surrealist movement, and he often used surrealist techniques in his comedy routines and films.

• Unexpected juxtapositions
  

  Feldman frequently placed characters or objects in unexpected or incongruous situations, creating a sense of absurdity. For example, in the film "Young Frankenstein," Feldman's character Igor is a hunchbacked assistant to Dr. Frankenstein, and he often finds himself in bizarre and surreal situations, such as being chased by a monster or singing a song about his hump.

• Non-sequiturs and wordplay
  

  Feldman's comedy also relied heavily on non-sequiturs and wordplay. He often used nonsensical language or unexpected punchlines to create a sense of absurdity. For example, in the film "Silent Movie," Feldman's character Marty Eggs is trying to make a silent film, but he is constantly interrupted by absurd events, such as a cow walking into the shot or a group of people dancing the can-can for no reason.

• Surreal imagery
  

  Feldman's comedy also often involved surreal imagery, such as strange creatures, bizarre landscapes, and dreamlike sequences. These elements added to the sense of absurdity and created a unique and memorable comedic experience. For example, in the film "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother," Feldman's character Sneeze is a private detective who investigates a murder at a wax museum. The film is full of surreal imagery, such as a giant wax statue of Queen Victoria coming to life and a group of wax figures dancing the Charleston.

Feldman's use of surrealism was a major part of what made his comedy so unique and memorable. He was a master of creating unexpected and surreal situations that provoked laughter and left a lasting impression on audiences.

Frequently Asked Questions about Marty Feldman

Marty Feldman was a British comedian, actor, and writer known for his distinctive physical appearance and surreal humor. He was a member of the comedy troupe Monty Python's Flying Circus and starred in several films, including "Young Frankenstein" and "Silent Movie." Feldman's comedy was often characterized by its absurdity and surrealism.

Question 1: What was Marty Feldman's physical appearance like?

Feldman had a distinctive physical appearance, which included bulging eyes, a large nose, and a hunchback. He often used his physical appearance to comedic effect, and it became a signature part of his act.

Question 2: What was Marty Feldman's comedic style like?

Feldman's comedic style was characterized by its absurdity and surrealism. He frequently used non-sequiturs, wordplay, and surreal imagery to create a sense of the unexpected and provoke laughter.

Question 3: What was Marty Feldman's role in Monty Python's Flying Circus?

Feldman was a founding member of Monty Python's Flying Circus, and he played a variety of roles in the show. He was known for his surreal and absurdist sketches, and he often played characters who were strange and unpredictable.

Question 4: What was Marty Feldman's most famous film role?

Feldman's most famous film role was Igor in the 1974 film "Young Frankenstein." Igor is a hunchbacked assistant to Dr. Frankenstein, and he is one of the most memorable characters in the film. Feldman's performance is both funny and touching, and he brings a great deal of humanity to the role.

Question 5: What was Marty Feldman's legacy?

Feldman's legacy is as a groundbreaking comedian and actor who pushed the boundaries of comedy. His surreal and absurdist humor has influenced many subsequent comedians and actors, and he is considered one of the most important figures in the history of comedy.

Question 6: Where can I learn more about Marty Feldman?

There are many resources available to learn more about Marty Feldman. His autobiography, "Marty Feldman: A Life in Comedy," is a good place to start. There are also several documentaries about Feldman, including "Marty Feldman: A Portrait in Laughter" and "Marty Feldman: The Last Interview." You can also find information about Feldman on the website of the British Film Institute.

Marty Feldman was a unique and unforgettable comedian and actor. His surreal and absurdist humor has left a lasting legacy on the world of comedy.

This concludes our FAQ section on Marty Feldman.

Tips by Marty Feldman

Marty Feldman was a British comedian, actor, and writer known for his distinctive physical appearance and surreal humor. He was a member of the comedy troupe Monty Python's Flying Circus and starred in several films, including "Young Frankenstein" and "Silent Movie." Feldman's comedy was often characterized by its absurdity and surrealism.

Here are a few tips from Marty Feldman that can help you improve your comedic skills:

Tip 1: Use absurdity and surrealism to your advantage. Feldman was a master of using absurdity and surrealism to create humor. He frequently placed characters or objects in unexpected or incongruous situations, used non-sequiturs and wordplay, and incorporated surreal imagery into his comedy. By using these techniques, you can create a sense of the unexpected and provoke laughter.

Tip 2: Use your physical appearance to your advantage. Feldman had a distinctive physical appearance, which he often used to comedic effect. He embraced his physical differences and used them to create memorable and hilarious characters. If you have a unique physical appearance, don't be afraid to use it to your advantage in your comedy.

Tip 3: Be willing to take risks. Feldman was not afraid to take risks in his comedy. He was always willing to try new things and experiment with different comedic styles. By being willing to take risks, you can develop your own unique comedic voice and style.

Tip 4: Be observant. Feldman was a keen observer of human behavior. He paid attention to the little details and eccentricities of people, and he used these observations to create his characters and jokes. By being observant, you can develop a rich repertoire of comedic material.

Tip 5: Be yourself. Feldman was never afraid to be himself, and his unique personality and sense of humor shone through in his work. By being yourself, you can develop a comedic style that is authentic and relatable.

Summary of key takeaways or benefits:

• Using absurdity and surrealism can help you create humor.
• Using your physical appearance to your advantage can help you create memorable characters.
• Being willing to take risks can help you develop your own unique comedic voice and style.
• Being observant can help you develop a rich repertoire of comedic material.
• Being yourself can help you develop a comedic style that is authentic and relatable.

By following these tips, you can improve your comedic skills and develop your own unique comedic style.

Transition to the article's conclusion:

Marty Feldman was a comedic genius who left a lasting legacy on the world of comedy. His tips can help you improve your comedic skills and develop your own unique comedic voice. So, next time you're feeling uninspired, remember Marty Feldman and his advice to "be yourself, be observant, and be willing to take risks." You never know what kind of comedic gold you might just create.

Conclusion

Marty Feldman was a comedic genius who left a lasting legacy on the world of comedy. His unique brand of humor, characterized by its absurdity and surrealism, has influenced generations of comedians and actors.

Feldman's work reminds us that comedy can be found in the most unexpected places. He taught us to embrace our differences and to see the humor in the everyday. His legacy will continue to inspire and entertain for years to come.