February 7, 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the movie Blazing Saddles, an iconic satirical western directed by Mel Brooks. The movie was the highest grossing film of 1974, taking in over $119 million dollars, and was nominated for three Academy Awards.
It is also a film that probably could not be made the same today, due to its use of derogatory words and rating board guidelines for political correctness. Which is a shame, because Mr. Brooks has used his films to point out the hypocritical treatment of peoples throughout society and history using the tool he works with best: wit and humor.
In this film, a swindling attorney general, Hedley Lamarr, tries to eradicate the citizens of a small town by manipulating the clueless governor into appointing a black sheriff to the town. He's confident that the citizens will be so revolted by this that they will succumb to his dastardly plans. A series of well-crafted schemes, tactical blunders, and racial acceptance by the "simple-minded town folk" eventually lead to exposure of the corruption, victory for the oppressed, and some well-crafted humor along the way. Brooks himself appears as the bonehead Governor Le Petomane, a Yiddish-speaking Indian chief, and a bomber pilot for Korman's thug army. Many known entertainment personalities were parodied, including Hedy Lamarr and Gabby Hayes. Madeleine Kahn's musical number was an ode to Marlene Detrich.
The racism theme appears through the film, as do his spoofs of other hit movies. The movie studio funding the film tried to get much of the "sensitive" content removed, with little success. The only noteworthy change they succeeded at was disallowing Richard Pryor from playing the leading role, noting that his recent drug issues could impact the movie's financial success. Pryor remained as one of four writers on the film, and his influence can be seen in a number of the racial scenes. The other deletion as a line where the seductress, played by Madeline Kahn, is told that she's sucking on the black sheriff's arm, and not his penis.
Prior to Brooks buying rights to the film, the previous director went after big names in American film and television for this one. Johnny Carson was asked to played Hedley. James Earl Jones would be the sheriff, and John Wayne the drunken gunslinger. All refused, citing the deviation from their successful personas. Brooks brought in Cleavon Little for the sheriff and Harvey Korman as Lamarr. Known actors from his other films, like Gene Wilder and Madeline Kahn, played key roles. Cameos from Count Basie, Slim Pickens, and Alex Karras added fun scenes to the mix.
In the end, the disparaged Asian and Black minorities win out, the hypocritical rich are put in their place, and the two heroes ride into the sunset...until they reach a limousine to drive them away. Lots of slapstick and social commentary, ready to enjoy with a box of Milk Duds and some popcorn.
The movie is considered one of his best, along with the spoof comedies Young Frankenstein, The Producers, High Anxiety, Spaceballs, and Robin Hood: Men in Tights. Mel made fun of other box office successes, and threw in just enough social commentary, to make us laugh. And think.