Blazing Saddles (1974)
One Shat host is a social justice warrior. The other hates Mel Brooks movies. So “Blazing Saddles” seemed doomed from the start. But there’s magic in Gene Wilder, Cleavon Little and the old frontier.
Listener Ed took Shat The Movies way back to 1974 for this satirical Western that Gene Lyons argues isn’t racist, sexist or even remotely offensive (other than one particular performance).
Dick Ebert was impressed with the “real Hollywood Western” feel of the movie, attributing the incredible cast and chemistry to divine intervention, and also the groundbreaking farts.
In this episode, the Shat Boys discuss the connection between “Blazing Saddles” and “La Bamba,” cheer for Slim Pickens and Harvey Korman and wonder at how cleverly the film breaks the fourth wall.
You know those episodes where Gene gets excited and quotes the movie a lot? Yeah, it’s one of those.
Plot Summary:
In the 1974 satirical comedy Blazing Saddles, directed by Mel Brooks, Cleavon Little stars as Bart, a sharp-witted Black railroad worker who unexpectedly becomes the sheriff of the all-white frontier town of Rock Ridge. Appointed by the corrupt State Attorney General Hedley Lamarr (Harvey Korman), who hopes to drive the townspeople away to seize their valuable land, Bart initially faces outright hostility and racism from the locals. However, he quickly proves himself more than a match for their prejudice with his cleverness, charm, and an unorthodox approach to law enforcement.
To gain the trust of Rock Ridge’s citizens, Bart teams up with Jim, the Waco Kid (Gene Wilder), a washed-up gunslinger with a sharp aim and a dry sense of humor. Together, they uncover Lamarr’s plot to destroy the town by sending in a gang of outlaws, led by the dimwitted Taggart (Slim Pickens) and the seductive singer Lili Von Shtupp (Madeline Kahn).
Bart and Jim devise an audacious plan to save Rock Ridge, involving fake towns, outrageous disguises, and an army of cowboys, soldiers, and townsfolk. What follows is a series of hilarious set pieces that break the fourth wall, challenge conventions, and blend slapstick, social commentary, and irreverent humor. The film’s climax erupts into a chaotic brawl that spills out of the western setting and onto a Hollywood soundstage, showcasing Mel Brooks’ signature style of meta-comedy.
Blazing Saddles is a groundbreaking comedy that uses sharp satire to address social issues while delivering a constant stream of laughs. Tune in to our podcast review as we revisit this comedy classic, exploring its cultural impact, memorable moments, and whether its humor and bold commentary still resonate with today’s audiences.
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