But, while Young Frankenstein is still very much a popular film, its appeal is obviously limited to fans of high-brow homage.
Operating as Gene Wilder’s first success as a screenwriter, and a continued success as a Hollywood actor, the horror-comedy classic was a benchmark for the man’s career.
Wilder not only starred in the film as the reluctant grandson of the original Dr. Frankenstein, but he also co-wrote the film with director Mel Brooks after they’d discussed the idea during the production of Blazing Saddles.
Meanwhile, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was further proof that family friendly blockbusters tend to make a wider impact than most other genres, even if it takes a while for the film in question to catch on.