The townspeople of Rock Ridge give a warm welcome to Sheriff Bart (Clevon Little) in “Blazing Saddles” (Warner Bros., 1974)
“Blazing Saddles” (Warner Bros., 1974). The final entry in this year’s comedy film watching project is the bawdy, off-color, distasteful, ludicrous, politically incorrect and totally awesome Western spoof “Blazing Saddles.” Set in the American Old West, evil railroad baron Hedley Lamarr (played by the great Harvey Korman) decides that he wants to run his railroad through the town of Rock Ridge. In order to make the town unlivable for its citizens and to force them to leave, he arranges for an African-American to be the Rock Ridge’s new sheriff. Sheriff Bart (played by Clevon Little) and “The Waco Kid,” his newly-found sidekick (played by Gene Wilder), decide to take on the railroad baron and save the town in their own unique way. The film’s bold use of racial stereotypes and crude language reflect a different era; however, in context, it’s writer and director Mel Brooks at his silliest. Supporting cast includes Slim Pickens as Hedley Lamarr’s dim-witted henchman Taggart, Mel Brooks himself in multiple roles (including Governor William J. LePetomane, an Indian chief, and an actor playing Adolf Hitler), and the always fantastic Madeline Kahn doing a spot-on Marlene Dietrich impersonation as the nefarious German songstress Lili von Shtupp. Written by Mel Brooks, Norman Steinberg, Andrew Bergman, Richard Pryor and Alan Uger. Directed by Mel Brooks. “Candygram for Mongo!”
Thanks for following along with me this year. Looking forward to more great movie watching in 2013!
Stanford Clark 