The History of the World: Part I Quotes

Context

This line is from the film The History of the World: Part I, directed by Mel Brooks (1981).

Having never ruled a kingdom ourselves, we can't say authoritatively that this is true, but… it doesn't seem like a bad gig.

In Mel Brooks' comedy The History of the World: Part I (don't bother checking Netflix for "Part II"—it doesn't exist), King Louis XVI is a pretty despicable guy who feels he can grab onto any part of any woman he wishes, simply because he wears the crown. Unfortunately… well, he can. Those were the days, huh?

After each disgusting episode, King Louis turns to the camera and says, "It's good to be the king," indicating he's fully aware of what a sweet deal he's got. What good fortune that he can molest and abuse innocent people and totally get away with it every time, right?

So yeah… he's pretty gross. The good news is that this is a comedy, and Brooks is mocking the laws that used to allow for this sort of behavior, so we're supposed to think he's gross. But, at the same time, we laugh. Because… that mustache and that mole—c'mon.

Check out this clip to be grossed out yourself.

Where you've heard it

Who doesn't love a Mel Brooks movie? Apparently no one because you hear this line—and just about every other Brooks quote—pop up ALL. THE. TIME. This one is up there with "roll in ze hay," "ludicrous speed," and the lyrics to "Springtime for Hitler."

Tom Petty used the quote to title one of his songs, and others have borrowed from it as well. There's even a board game.

And if you happen to know where Elvis is hiding (don't you dare try telling us he's actually dead), you might have heard him say it as well. We have to imagine it's pretty good to be Elvis.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

The line is short and sweet, and simply tells it like it is. The king may have had an upper-class education, but you don't need to have attended Oxford to get the gist of this one.