Despite the credit he is given here, Mel Brooks did NOT write the music for 'Hope for the Best, Expect the Worst.'
It is an old folk song, best known from the piano settings done by classical composer Johnannes Brahms. Here's one performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0-vZ-zbOPY
(In case the link doesn't work, hunt for Hungarian Dance #4 for piano.)
He didn't write the music, fine, but in my opinion his lyrics were by far the best thing in the flick. Umm, or even the ONLY good thing.
Even as huge fan of national treasure Brooks, had to give this turkey no more than imdb 4 rating.
Ps: At long last got to see 12C this week, presented OnDemand in HD on Comcast's Encore channel.
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'Dr Horrible's Singalong Blog'(last words): "Don't worry. Captain Hammer will save us."
He used a very similar musical theme in Young Frankenstein.
shareYes, the melody is virtually identical to the Brahms Hungarian Dance #4, originally composed for piano four hands, subsequently orchestrated by Paul Juon.
It is generally acknowledged that the tune is not an original composition by Brahms, but rather a variation of either a traditional Hungarian-Gypsy folk song or "borrowed" from a previous composer-arranger.
At the same time if Brooks attempted to claim this music as his own, this would represent hubris of a very high order.
Regardless, in my opinion this is an entertaining and worthwhile film. I saw it again tonight on TCM and found it an enjoyable way to spend 94 minutes.