"The scariest comedy of all time!"
Young Frankenstein - Easter Eggs & Hidden Details
Easter Eggs
The character name "Hans Delbrück," whose brain Frederick initially wants, is a reference to a real German military historian and a nod to the intellectual, "saintly" brain Frederick desired for his creation.
This is an inside joke for history buffs, adding a layer of subtle, intellectual humor to the film. It contrasts sharply with the "Abby Normal" brain that Igor ultimately provides, heightening the comedy of the error.
The film directly recreates several specific scenes from the 1931 "Frankenstein" and its 1935 sequel "Bride of Frankenstein."
These scenes are not just parodies but shot-for-shot homages. Key examples include the Monster's encounter with the little girl by the lake and his meeting with the blind hermit (played by Gene Hackman). For viewers familiar with the original films, these moments serve as loving easter eggs that demonstrate the filmmakers' deep affection for their source material.
At the train station, Frederick asks a boy, "Pardon me, boy, is this the Transylvania Station?"
This is a direct, witty reference to the 1941 song "Chattanooga Choo Choo," which contains the lyric, "Pardon me, boy, is that the Chattanooga Choo Choo?" This anachronistic nod to a popular American song highlights the film's playful blending of old-world gothic horror with modern American comedy.