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Written by Finger_Of_DOOM
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BLAZING SADDLES **** out of *****
Genres 1974 Directed by Mel Brooks Written by Andrew Bergman (story and screenplay) Mel Brooks (screenplay) Norman Steinberg (screenplay) Richard Pryor (screenplay) Alan Uger (screenplay) Cast Cleavon Little .... Bart Gene Wilder .... Jim (The Waco Kid) Slim Pickens .... Taggart David Huddleston .... Olson Johnson Liam Dunn .... Rev. Johnson Alex Karras .... Mongo John Hillerman .... Howard Johnson George Furth .... Van Johnson Jack Starrett .... Gabby Johnson Mel Brooks .... Gov. William J. LePetomaine/Indian chief/World War I aviator in badmen line-up Harvey Korman .... Hedley Lamarr Madeline Kahn .... Lili Von Shtupp It’s hard to believe that its been 30 years since the release of this classic comedy, if it’s one thing that Blazing Saddles has achieved over the years it’s got to be staying power. This film is not only still funny today but is much better than some of the drivel studios are pushing as "comedies", so it will come as no surprise that the AFI has listed this gem the number 6 funniest comedy in their top 100. Set during the old west and around the time the transcontinental railroad was being laid across America, corrupt politician Hedley Lamarr (Harvey Korman) seeks to drive the citizens of Rock Ridge out of town and capitalise on the railroad running through the town. In order to achieve this he send in the toughest gang he’s got to stir trouble. To make things worse he names a new sheriff, a black sheriff named Bart (Cleavon Little) who he’s sure will only last 24 hours before he’s driven out of town. But the sheriff joins forces with a local drunk, who turns out to be the legendary Waco Kid or as his friends call him, Jim (Gene Wilder) in order to gain the confidence of the town. When the Sheriff and his new deputy outwit Hedley’s henchmen, his plans to take over the town are thwarted, which leads him to take drastic measures! Widely regarded as Mel Brooks’ finest film, Blazing Saddles doesn’t fail to deliver on the gags, jokes, quips, puns, howlers, growlers and outrageous assaults upon good taste or any taste for that matter. This is possibly the finest example of spoof comedy ever committed to film, and, while not the most impressive script ever written, the film is made much better with the over-the-top characterisations and general ‘fun’ attitude held by the cast. The performances are genuinely hilarious, made all the more impressive by the chemistry Wilder and Little have and from the supporting cast that includes Brooks himself as the easily persuaded Governor William J. LePetomaine, Slim Pickens as the henchman Taggart and the talented comedienne Madeline Kahn as the Madame Lili Von Shtupp, a performance so well executed she received an Academy Award nomination. Additionally the film is full of unforgettable moments, such as the introduction of Bart as sheriff (complete with Gucci saddle bags), his first stroll into the town to the shock of the townsfolk, the campfire fart scene, the henchmen recruitment line, and much more. It’s these moments that has made this film a standout for 30 years, and it will probably be so for at least another 30. If you’re a lover or witty over-the-top comedy and you have yet to see this gem, what are you waiting for? Get on your horse to your local movie outlet and give this a spin. Finger_Of_DOOM's reviews also appear on DVD Compare, where they include details of the DVD release. For this review click here. Discuss this article on the forums. (0 posts) |
