Blazing Saddles was considered shocking and unreleasable when it was made. Not until I read Mel’s autobiography a few years ago did I understand how he got it past the censors at his studio. At the preview they gave him notes on every objectionable scene they wanted taken out. Mel responded with, “I agree and don’t worry, it’s out!” After they left the room, he took all the notes and threw them in the trash can. That was the end of it. It’s a miracle the film was green lighted after that. As you illustrated in your essay, all Mel was doing was holding a mirror up to America, and though it was shocking to hear, he wasn’t amplifying or exaggerating. My other take away from Mel’s humor is that by making fun of every group, he is pointing out that we are all the same. No group of people is better than another. What a message for America in 2026. We clearly didn’t get the message 50 years hence.
Racism revised. If there’s going to be racism amongst ignorant peoples let it be that worldview that tosses every other revision on its head. I can ask a few questions:
What race is known for its physical grace and strength and dominates world sports? What race is renowned for its powerful music and art? I refer to all variety of black African tribes and their gravity and fame. I will de-racify by turning the structure topsy turvy. Just for fun, let's call the Negroid peoples "The Super Race" People have defined Super Races in the past and that didn’t work out well. All this rationalizing racism to excuse slavery is just that: rationalization. Racism can make it acceptable to exploit, devastate and ruin an entire genetic structure that reaches far into pre history. Racism makes it okay to make money off their backs. It makes it acceptable to fuck people over with ruthless barbarism. It’s not complicated. It’s simple lying. Propaganda before the digital age. Ultimately a lie spins back on the liar and spells doom. We can only hope. We can’t make a home for racism in any culture that calls itself a civilization.
I saw Blazing Saddles at a drive-in movie theater in Missoula, Montana. I had just moved there from Philly after my marriage broke up. My son was only two and sleeping in the back. I was lonely and depressed and I never laughed so hard in my life. Bret, you skipped Madeline Kahn doing her Marlena Dietrich imitation - I'm so tired - classic!
another fabulous commentary Bret, and I was going to say lucky, to have had that personal experience with Mel Brooks... but I am thinking its karma and not luck. Over the next few days it will be hotter than hades here in Washington, DC - so I can't think of anything better to do than rewatching Blazing Saddles and other Mel Brook's classics!
As so often with you, the first paragraph is priceless. I am glad you commemorated the 100 birthday of this talented and unique man. I remember fondly, too, his union with Anne Bancroft until her death. And I loved Blazing Saddles and the producers. Who didn't?
Blazing Saddles was considered shocking and unreleasable when it was made. Not until I read Mel’s autobiography a few years ago did I understand how he got it past the censors at his studio. At the preview they gave him notes on every objectionable scene they wanted taken out. Mel responded with, “I agree and don’t worry, it’s out!” After they left the room, he took all the notes and threw them in the trash can. That was the end of it. It’s a miracle the film was green lighted after that. As you illustrated in your essay, all Mel was doing was holding a mirror up to America, and though it was shocking to hear, he wasn’t amplifying or exaggerating. My other take away from Mel’s humor is that by making fun of every group, he is pointing out that we are all the same. No group of people is better than another. What a message for America in 2026. We clearly didn’t get the message 50 years hence.
Racism revised. If there’s going to be racism amongst ignorant peoples let it be that worldview that tosses every other revision on its head. I can ask a few questions:
What race is known for its physical grace and strength and dominates world sports? What race is renowned for its powerful music and art? I refer to all variety of black African tribes and their gravity and fame. I will de-racify by turning the structure topsy turvy. Just for fun, let's call the Negroid peoples "The Super Race" People have defined Super Races in the past and that didn’t work out well. All this rationalizing racism to excuse slavery is just that: rationalization. Racism can make it acceptable to exploit, devastate and ruin an entire genetic structure that reaches far into pre history. Racism makes it okay to make money off their backs. It makes it acceptable to fuck people over with ruthless barbarism. It’s not complicated. It’s simple lying. Propaganda before the digital age. Ultimately a lie spins back on the liar and spells doom. We can only hope. We can’t make a home for racism in any culture that calls itself a civilization.
I saw Blazing Saddles at a drive-in movie theater in Missoula, Montana. I had just moved there from Philly after my marriage broke up. My son was only two and sleeping in the back. I was lonely and depressed and I never laughed so hard in my life. Bret, you skipped Madeline Kahn doing her Marlena Dietrich imitation - I'm so tired - classic!
Wooooo!!! Incredible review - - and what an extraordinary personal experience!! Thank you for sharing this. One of my all-time favorite movies.
another fabulous commentary Bret, and I was going to say lucky, to have had that personal experience with Mel Brooks... but I am thinking its karma and not luck. Over the next few days it will be hotter than hades here in Washington, DC - so I can't think of anything better to do than rewatching Blazing Saddles and other Mel Brook's classics!
Excellent piece Bret, fully deserving of a laurel and hearty handshake.
As so often with you, the first paragraph is priceless. I am glad you commemorated the 100 birthday of this talented and unique man. I remember fondly, too, his union with Anne Bancroft until her death. And I loved Blazing Saddles and the producers. Who didn't?
"Who can argue with that?"
Like many reviews and viewings, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder."