Factual error: The movie is set in Transylvania, but the natives all speak German and with German accents (probably an homage to the book, but still incorrect). (00:14:30)
Young Frankenstein (1974)
1 factual error
Directed by: Mel Brooks
Starring: Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn, Marty Feldman, Peter Boyle, Teri Garr
Continuity mistake: In the central nervous system lecture scene, Dr. Frankenstein's right hand is just over and above Mr. Hilltop's left shoulder, but the next shot shows the doctor about a foot away from Hilltop and his right hand level with Hilltop's left elbow.
Dr. Frederick Frankenstein: You know, I'm a rather brilliant surgeon. Perhaps I can help you with that hump.
Igor: What hump?
Trivia: Another time you can see Gene Wilder laughing when he's not supposed to be is after he finds out the project failed (the quiet, dignity, and grace speech). He starts strangling the monster, and you can see that he is stifling laughter. Finally, he can't hold it in any longer and proceeds to partially hide his face behind the monster lying on the table in an attempt to cover up his smirks (but you can still see that he is laughing).
Question: What year is the film set?
Answer: Near the end of the film the (now improved) monster is in bed reading the Wall Street Journal. The article in the top left corner refers to the Brown Vs. Board of Education Supreme Court case after 25 years. That puts the film in 1979. (It was made in 1974.) Also, the young Dr. Frankenstein refers to his grandfather, the infamous Dr. Frankenstein. The original movie was made in 1931. That places the movie two generations later.
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Chosen answer: While no specific date is given, Mel Brooks wanted to do a tribute parody to the classic 1930's horror film, thus the Black and White film and the 30's style film techniques. However, Hans Delbrück (the brain Igor is suppose to steal) was a real-life person who died in 1929. Given that and the cars seen, it's a safe bet it's suppose to be set in the early 1930's.
Bishop73