The Great Kahn

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More About

• Madeline Kahn
• Mel Brooks
• Young Frankenstein
• Trixie Delight
• Peter Boyle

While it's debatable whether the zany cornball gags of Mel Brooks' comedies are still truly funny in today's climate of hyper-cynical jaded irony fests, there's one staple of Brooks' comedic oeuvre who's undeniably a timeless laugh riot: the late, great Madeline Kahn. Sure, she was typecast as the shrill brazen floozy with an off-kilter haughty demeanor, but nobody played the harpy better. Listening to her moan and groan under the weight of Peter Boyle's monster in Young Frankenstein or salaciously glare as Lili Von Shtupp in Blazing Saddles will instantly make you forget how bored you were seconds earlier watching Gene Wilder chew the scenery. Don't forget Kahn in History of the World: Part I as the picky Empress Nympho choosing participants for her royal orgy. Or maybe you prefer her earliest roles, pre-Brooks, as the frigid Eunice in What's Up, Doc? or trollop Trixie Delight in Paper Moon? Our favorite was always Kahn as Mrs. White in Clue explaining just how much she hated Yvette. Kahn stars in Young Frankenstein at midnight Friday and Saturday at the Inwood Theatre, 5458 W. Lovers Lane. Admission is $8. Call 214-764-9106 or visit landmarktheatres.com.
April 14-15