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.
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!
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.
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!
Incredible movie; one of the greatest geniuses of our time, the time before us, and the time after us
I only hope his last 10 years and whatever time he has left is quality and worthy of dignity. Too many become shells of their former selves hollowed out by physical and mental deterioration
Hoping he made God smile enough to grant him dignity and health through the end of his days
I fully agree! Thanks for clarifying my instincts about this movie. I never quite found the words. Fun fact: the gay dancer beating a cowboys chest was played by a family friend, Dick Monaghan. He married my moms best friend from college.
Mel is second to none in his satire of not just American culture, but that of the whole world when you look at the body and breadth of his work. The best.
I have had people over to my house to watch Blazing Saddles. Everyone agrees with me that the scene when Bart arrived in Rock Ridge and tried to make a go of serving as sheriff was a premonition of the atmosphere in the US after Barack Obama first took office as president.
Fair enough. He’s white on the inside, is what you’re saying. But that’s not the point. It could be an ironic counterpoint to the point that the right saw him as Black and therefore a huge affront to White America. His election caused the Tea Party to be possible and helped Trump 1.0 to be possible. That’s the prescient message of the scene where Bart rides into Rock RIdge. He shows up, everyone loses their shit. Same with Obama.
Racism is simply unapproved pattern recognition. No other race besides whites worries about its members being racist towards other races. Other races denounce members of their tribe for not being sufficiently supportive of their tribe.
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.
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!
It’s twuu, it’s twuu
Coming and going, going and coming too soon…
Excellent piece Bret, fully deserving of a laurel and hearty handshake.
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.
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!
What’s even funnier , the right wingers will often cite this movie as this is what you could do before we got woke.
Incredible movie; one of the greatest geniuses of our time, the time before us, and the time after us
I only hope his last 10 years and whatever time he has left is quality and worthy of dignity. Too many become shells of their former selves hollowed out by physical and mental deterioration
Hoping he made God smile enough to grant him dignity and health through the end of his days
I fully agree! Thanks for clarifying my instincts about this movie. I never quite found the words. Fun fact: the gay dancer beating a cowboys chest was played by a family friend, Dick Monaghan. He married my moms best friend from college.
Anyone who is offended by Blazing Saddles should understand why it was needed to harken to how offense to our sensibilities is made to be mocked.
Mel is second to none in his satire of not just American culture, but that of the whole world when you look at the body and breadth of his work. The best.
I have had people over to my house to watch Blazing Saddles. Everyone agrees with me that the scene when Bart arrived in Rock Ridge and tried to make a go of serving as sheriff was a premonition of the atmosphere in the US after Barack Obama first took office as president.
The Coconut
Fair enough. He’s white on the inside, is what you’re saying. But that’s not the point. It could be an ironic counterpoint to the point that the right saw him as Black and therefore a huge affront to White America. His election caused the Tea Party to be possible and helped Trump 1.0 to be possible. That’s the prescient message of the scene where Bart rides into Rock RIdge. He shows up, everyone loses their shit. Same with Obama.
Gabby Johnson's language was "Authentic Frontier Gibberish," which is one hell of an awesome name for a band.
For God's sake, can you PLEASE stop using AI like cheap cologne when you're too lazy to take a shower?
"Mel Brooks never believed racism made white people stronger. He believed it made them gullible. Clumsy. Easy to manipulate."
Doesn't THAT resonate in 2026!!
Racism is simply unapproved pattern recognition. No other race besides whites worries about its members being racist towards other races. Other races denounce members of their tribe for not being sufficiently supportive of their tribe.