Blazing Saddles (1974)

Poster credit the Internet Movie Database
Mel Brooks is one of the most talented comedians. His movies are still quoted and popular today, and no one seems to forget them. He is truly a genius, and he needs to get back into his groove (if he doesn't break a hip first).

Brooks' directed this classic 1974 piece about the small western town of Rock Ridge in the 1800's. Hedley Lamarr (Harvey Korman), not to be confused with Hedy Lamarr, wants to build a railroad through Rock Ridge. To do so, he needs to get the people out of town, so he decides to get a sheriff that the townspeople will kill immediately, so they will leave. He hires Bart (Cleavon Little), a black railroad worker who was about to be hanged.

The "plot" kind of thins out from there. I judged Blazing Saddles purely on entertainment value. I really love Gene Wilder, who played the Waco Kid who helps Bart. His sarcastic tone of voice and his love for comedy really shines through. Little was enjoyable as the sheriff. The town of Rock Ridge had it's own jokes (i.e. Johnson, etc.) that were funny throughout.

Some jokes didn't have any taste (the campfire scene), while others were perfect for a Disney movie (a laurel and hearty handshake). Brooks' role in the movie, even though it was small, was very humorous, and it's fun to go along with Bart and Jim (aka the Waco Kid).

If there was one thing I didn't like, it was that Madeline Kahn didn't have a larger role. She is a very talented actress (she got an Oscar nomination for her role), and I'm still sad that she died. The jokes were usually steady throughout, and it's a fun romp that you soon won't forget, coming in the year of what critics call his best piece, Young Frankenstein.

Rated R for racial slurs and mild sexual humor.

Review Date: September 14, 2002