"The scariest comedy of all time!"
Young Frankenstein - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
It's pronounced 'Fronkensteen.'
— Dr. Frederick Frankenstein
Context:
Spoken early in the film during his medical lecture, when a student questions him about his notorious grandfather, Victor Frankenstein.
Meaning:
This line immediately establishes Frederick's central conflict: his shame and denial of his infamous family heritage. It's a recurring gag that highlights his desperate attempt to separate himself from the madness he perceives in his lineage.
What hump?
— Igor
Context:
Frederick, a brilliant surgeon, has just met Igor at the Transylvania train station and offers to help him with his prominent hump, to which Igor innocently replies, "What hump?"
Meaning:
This is a classic example of the film's absurd and fourth-wall-breaking humor. The joke lies in the obviousness of the hump, which Marty Feldman would secretly move between takes, and Igor's complete denial of its existence. It perfectly encapsulates the character's quirky and illogical nature.
Abby Normal.
— Igor
Context:
After the Monster is brought to life and proves dangerously volatile, Frederick confronts Igor about which brain he stole. Igor confesses he didn't get the brain of Hans Delbrück, but that of "Abby... Normal."
Meaning:
This is a pivotal pun that explains the Monster's violent behavior. Igor's innocent misreading of the label "Abnormal Brain" as a name, "Abby Normal," is a perfect blend of slapstick error and clever wordplay that drives the central conflict of the plot.
Puttin' on the Ritz!
— Dr. Frederick Frankenstein and The Monster
Context:
During a presentation to a skeptical scientific community, Frederick and the top-hat-and-tails-clad Monster perform a musical number to prove the creature's docility and intelligence.
Meaning:
This quote represents the peak of Frederick's attempt to present his creation as civilized and sophisticated. The song-and-dance number is a moment of pure, brilliant absurdity, showcasing the film's ability to blend classic horror tropes with vaudevillian comedy. It symbolizes Frederick's pride in his work and his affection for the Monster.
He vas my BOYFRIEND!
— Frau Blücher
Context:
Frederick confronts Frau Blücher, realizing she has been deliberately manipulating events to get him to continue his grandfather's work. As he connects the dots, she finally admits her romantic relationship with the late Victor Frankenstein.
Meaning:
This climactic confession from the stern, imposing housekeeper reveals her deep, personal connection to the Frankenstein legacy and explains her mysterious behavior throughout the film. It's a hilarious and unexpected punchline that adds a layer of absurd romance to the backstory.