Review of Blazing Saddles (1974) by Miguel R — 23 Jul 2011
The classic Mel Brooks gem, a totally politically-incorrect slapstick, just gets funnier with each viewing, and in retrospect, takes a lot more chances with its material than comparable comedies today, particularly toward the subject of race relations - in fact, it may perhaps be the most eloquent film of the 70's on the subject as it raises a satirical mirror to the real-life lunacy of segregation and racial animosity.
Co-written by Richard Pryor, the film is an equal-opportunity offender towards blacks, whites, Indians, Christians, Jews - and even horses and cattle as Cleavon Little's Sheriff Black Bart, aided by Gene Wilder's dipsomaniac Waco Kid, take on the inequities and small-mindedness of the town of Rock Ridge, the possession of which Harvey Korman's greedy surveyor Hedley (not Hedy) LaMarr almost literally lusts after, with the aid of Madeline Khan's hysterically droll Marlene Dietrich spoof, Lili Von Shtupp.
Brooks madcap pace is positively inspired in its tastelessness.
This review of Blazing Saddles (1974) was written by Miguel R on 23 Jul 2011.
Blazing Saddles has generally received very positive reviews.
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