Mel Brooks says he and Gene Wilder fought over classic YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN scene

Director Mel Brooks and actor Gene Wilder he has collaborated on some major film projects including Young Frankensteinwhich they co-wrote.

During a past appearance on ABC News’ Nightline show, Brooks revealed that he and Wilder have only had one major discussion about any of their projects, and it was over the now-iconic “Puttin’ on the Ritz” scene from Young Frankenstein.

This was Wilder’s idea and Brooks wasn’t convinced it would work. They argued back and forth until Brooks compromised.

Brooks explained: “I had this big argument with Gene when he came up with the idea that he and the monster were going to sing and dance. I said, “Gene, I’m going to turn it over and if one person in that screening, one person says he’s silly or stupid, he’ll be out.” We filmed it… the audience went crazy. And I said, “Gene, I apologize.”

Wilder once spoke about the discussion while appearing on Late Night With Conan O’Brien in 2005. He said: “He came up one night and looked at the pages and said, ‘Are you tap dancing with Irving Berlin? In top hat and tails with the monster?’

“…He said, ‘Are you crazy? “He IS frivolous.” And…I argued for about 20 minutes…all of a sudden he said, ‘Okay, here we go.’ And I said, ‘Well, why did you put me through all this?’ He said, “Because I wasn’t sure if it was right or not.” And if I didn’t argue for it, I knew it would be wrong, but if I actually argued for it, I knew it was right.

This is just further proof that you never bet against Gene Wilder! That guy is one of my favorite actors ever and he was a comedic genius.