What is Blazing Saddles?
Blazing Saddles, directed by Mel Brooks in 1974, is a satirical Western film that showcases Brooks’ talent as a co-writer alongside Andrew Bergman, Richard Pryor, Norman Steinberg, and Alan Uger. The movie stars Cleavon Little and Gene Wilder, receiving acclaim from critics and audiences alike. With three Academy Award nominations and a spot at No. 6 on the American Film Institute’s 100 Years… 100 Laughs list, Blazing Saddles has solidified its place as a timeless classic.
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The plot revolves around a corrupt politician’s devious plan to sabotage a western town by appointing a black Sheriff. However, the newly appointed Sheriff becomes the politician’s most formidable adversary, leading to hilarious and unexpected consequences.
Blazing Saddles is a brilliant parody of Westerns, offering a mix of racial humor, political satire, and physical comedy. While the film sparked controversy upon its release, it has now earned its status as a beloved classic.
The cast delivers outstanding performances, with Cleavon Little shining in his role as the witty and hilarious Sheriff, complemented by Gene Wilder’s superb portrayal as his loyal sidekick.
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The humor in Blazing Saddles is sharp and clever, filled with clever jokes and amusing gags that keep the audience entertained throughout. The film’s satire is biting, taking aim at racism, sexism, and the portrayal of the American West, providing a thought-provoking commentary on these subjects. The physical comedy in Blazing Saddles is exceptional, incorporating slapstick humor and expertly executed pratfalls that add to the film’s comedic brilliance.
Blazing Saddles remains a funny, subversive, and politically incorrect film that continues to resonate today. Its relevance and status as a classic make it a must-watch for audiences of all generations.
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Blazing Saddles Cast: Where is the cast of ‘Blazing Saddles?
Blazing Saddles, a hilarious and groundbreaking film, holds the esteemed sixth position on the AFI’s list of the top 100 funniest movies in American cinema. This satirical take on the Western genre features an exceptional cast led by Cleavon Little, who portrays Sheriff Bart, the first Black sheriff in the frontier town of Rock Ridge.
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Although Blazing Saddles is now considered a comedy classic, its initial critical reception was mixed. The film’s irreverent and tasteless jokes, as well as its departure from the traditional cinematic style of its time, drew criticism from some reviewers. However, it can be argued that Blazing Saddles was ahead of its time rather than unconventional. While modern audiences may find discomfort in the overt use of a particular racial slur, it is important to acknowledge the film’s commentary on the racism it portrays and the conversations it sparks.
Cleavon Little as Sheriff Bart
Cleavon Little embarked on his career in the entertainment industry, showcasing his talent on stage and earning recognition for his remarkable performances. In 1970, he secured a Tony Award for his leading role in the Broadway musical Purlie. Shortly after, he graced the small screen as the witty and clever Dr. Jerry Noland in the ABC sitcom Temperatures Rising.
However, Little’s journey to portray Sheriff Bart in Blazing Saddles took an unexpected turn. Initially intended for Richard Pryor, one of Mel Brooks’ co-writers, the role was reassigned to Little due to the studio’s concerns about Pryor’s previous drug-related legal issues. Nonetheless, Little proved to be an excellent choice for the part, earning a nomination for the BAFTA Award for Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles.
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Following his memorable performance in Blazing Saddles, Little continued to make notable appearances on both stage and screen. In 1975, he took on a role in All Over Town, a Broadway play directed by Dustin Hoffman. The following year, he starred in Ronald Ribman’s original production, The Poison Tree. A decade later, Little captivated audiences with his performance alongside Judd Hirsch in the award-winning Broadway production of I’m Not a Rappaport.
Little’s talent extended to television, where he made guest appearances in popular series such as The Rockford Files, Fantasy Island, and MacGyver. However, his most significant television role came in the episode “Stand by Your Man” of Hirsch’s sitcom Dear John, which earned him a Primetime Emmy Award.
Little went on to replace Frankie Faison in the sitcom True Colors and portrayed a significant character in the two-part docudrama Separate But Equal, centered around the groundbreaking Brown v. Board of Education court case.
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Tragically, Cleavon Little’s life and career were cut short when he passed away at the age of 53 due to colon cancer in 1992. Despite his untimely departure, his contributions to the entertainment industry and his memorable performances continue to be celebrated.
Gene Wilder as Jim the Waco Kid
Gene Wilder delivered a remarkable performance as Jim in Blazing Saddles, showcasing his versatility and marking a departure from his iconic portrayal of Willy Wonka. Interestingly, Wilder was not Mel Brooks’ initial choice for the role.
Brooks had initially envisioned casting the legendary actor John Wayne, known for his cowboy persona, to add authenticity to his Western film parody. However, Wayne declined the offer, deeming the material too risqué for his established reputation, yet expressing his anticipation to watch the film as an audience member.
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Consequently, Brooks turned to Gig Young, whose well-known struggle with alcoholism oddly appealed to the director. Unfortunately, Young’s addiction posed significant challenges during filming when he experienced severe alcohol withdrawal on the first day. Forced to find a solution, Brooks reached out to his friend and collaborator, Gene Wilder. Wilder agreed to take on the role under one condition: that Brooks produce the film he was writing at the time, Young Frankenstein.
The following year marked Wilder’s directorial debut with the musical comedy The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes’ Smarter Brother, a project he also wrote. Shortly after, Wilder joined forces with Richard Pryor for the first time in the comedy thriller Silver Streak. Their on-screen chemistry was undeniably brilliant, leading to further collaborations such as Sidney Poitier’s Stir Crazy in 1980.
Over the years, the duo appeared together in two more films: See No Evil, Hear No Evil in 1989 and Another You in 1991, which became Wilder’s final feature film performance. Beyond his film career, Wilder ventured into television, starring in the short-lived sitcom Something Wilder, making appearances in TV movies, and even guest-starring in the series Will & Grace.
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Apart from his achievements as an actor and director, Gene Wilder was a philanthropist and activist. His profound love for his third wife, Gilda Radner, became an iconic symbol of devotion.
When Radner tragically passed away from ovarian cancer at the age of 42, Wilder was devastated. In her memory, he established the nonprofit network Gilda’s Club and the Gilda Radner Hereditary Cancer Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, both of which continue to make a difference today. In 2016, Wilder’s life came to a close as he succumbed to complications of Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 83.
Madeline Kahn as Lili Von Shtupp
Madeline Kahn, a frequent collaborator with Mel Brooks, showcased her talent in various films including Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, High Anxiety, and History of the World, Part I. Her outstanding performance in Blazing Saddles earned her a well-deserved second Oscar nomination, with the first being for her role in Peter Bogdanovich’s Paper Moon.
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In addition to her collaborations with Brooks, Kahn appeared in other notable films such as Bogdanovich’s At Long Last Love, Wilder’s The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes’ Smarter Brother, and Neil Simon’s The Cheap Detective. During the 1980s, Kahn appeared in several films that received mixed or negative reviews, including Yellowbeard, a comedy by Monty Python member Graham Chapman.
She also made a mark on television during this decade, starring in the short-lived yet well-received sitcom Oh, Madeline, and earning a Daytime Emmy for her performance in the ABC Afterschool Special Wanted: The Perfect Guy. In the 1990s, Kahn shared the screen with Steve Martin in Nora Ephron’s dark comedy Mixed Nuts and took on supporting roles in the comedy Betsy’s Wedding and the Oliver Stone biopic Nixon. She lent her voice to beloved childhood classics such as An American Tail and A Bug’s Life.
Madeline Kahn’s career began on the stage, and she continued to take on roles in both on and off-Broadway productions between her film and television projects. The year before Blazing Saddles, she starred in and received a nomination for In the Boom Boom Room. Several years later, Kahn earned another Tony nomination for her leading role opposite Kevin Kline in On the Twentieth Century, although she had to depart early in the show’s run.
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In 1989, she received another Tony nomination for her role in the Broadway revival of Born Yesterday. Finally, in 1993, Kahn achieved the prestigious honor of winning a Tony for her highly acclaimed performance in The Sisters Rosensweig. Unfortunately, like Gilda Radner, Kahn battled ovarian cancer, and she passed away in 1999 at the age of 57.
Harvey Korman as Hedley Lamarr
The mispronunciation of the villain’s name serves as a running joke in Blazing Saddles (“It’s Hedley!”), but it almost caused trouble for the film. The character’s name, Hedley Lamarr, is a playful reference to the Hollywood actress and brilliant mind, Hedy Lamarr. However, Hedy Lamarr didn’t find the joke amusing and threatened to sue. Eventually, the matter was resolved out of court by Mel Brooks and his team.
Prior to joining Mel Brooks’ group of actors, Harvey Korman had already achieved fame and success. He spent ten years as a regular on The Carol Burnett Show, earning four Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for his outstanding performances.
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Following his portrayal of the villainous Hedley Lamarr in Blazing Saddles, Korman continued to collaborate with Brooks, appearing in three more of his movies: High Anxiety, History of the World, Part 1, and Dracula: Dead and Loving It. He also had a role in Brooks’ unsuccessful sitcom, The Nutt House.
Korman departed from The Carol Burnett Show during its second-to-last year to star in his own sitcom, The Harvey Korman Show. Unfortunately, this project lasted only five episodes before being canceled. During the same year, Korman played multiple roles in the star-studded yet ill-fated Star Wars Holiday Special, most notably as Chef Gormaanda.
He frequently collaborated with Tim Conway, another regular on The Carol Burnett Show and the voice of Barnacle Boy, both on Conway’s show and in live performances. In his later years, Korman often lent his voice to animated characters and made guest appearances in cartoon classics like Hey Arnold! and The Wild Thornberrys. In 2008, Korman passed away at the age of 81 due to complications from a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.
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Slim Pickens as Taggart
Slim Pickens, a celebrated rodeo performer and cowboy actor, portrayed Hedley Lamarr’s henchman, Taggart, in Blazing Saddles. Prior to his acting career, Pickens spent nearly 20 years working in rodeos. He made his film debut in the 1950 Errol Flynn Western film Rocky Mountain. Unlike many actors of the time who relied on stunt performers for Western roles, Pickens possessed the authentic skills and appearance of a cowboy, which contributed to his long and successful career in Western films.
However, Pickens’ most iconic role was not that of a cowboy. In 1964, he played the role of Major T.J. “King” Kong, the H-bomb-riding B-52 pilot, in Stanley Kubrick’s film Dr. Strangelove. After his memorable performance in Blazing Saddles, Pickens continued his film career with movies like The Apple Dumpling Gang and Beyond the Poseidon Adventure. Later in life, he portrayed county sheriff Sam Newfield in Joe Dante’s werewolf classic, The Howling.
In addition to his numerous film roles, Pickens frequently appeared as a guest on television shows such as The Lone Ranger, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and Hawaii Five-O. He was also a regular cast member on Bonanza and Hee Haw, and his appearances on the latter continued until his passing in 1983 at the age of 64.
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Mel Brooks as Governor William J. Le Petomane
Mel Brooks, the director himself, takes on the role of the womanizing and dim-witted governor, William J. Le Petomane, in Blazing Saddles. Hedley Lamarr uses Le Petomane as part of his scheme. Brooks also portrays the Yiddish Native American Chief and an aviator applying to join Lamarr’s gang. Blazing Saddles was just one of the iconic comedies directed by Brooks in the 1970s.
During that same decade, he released The Twelve Chairs, Young Frankenstein, Silent Movie, and High Anxiety. Brooks’ success continued into the ’80s with History of the World, Part I, and Spaceballs.
However, Brooks’ output in the ’90s was somewhat inconsistent. While Robin Hood: Men in Tights achieved box-office success, it received mixed reviews. Life Stinks and Dracula: Dead and Loving It were both critical and commercial failures, with the latter often regarded as Brooks’ weakest work. In 2005, Brooks revisited the film that marked his directorial debut, The Producers, by adapting it into a Broadway musical.
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The following year, he wrote the Young Frankenstein musical. Nearly 20 years later, Brooks created History of the World, Part II, a limited sketch comedy series on Hulu. Beyond his acting and directing roles, Brooks is a prolific producer. In 1980, his production company, Brooksfilms, released its first film, Fatso, which was written and directed by Brooks’ wife, Anne Bancroft. That same year, the company produced David Lynch’s The Elephant Man, a collaboration that even Brooks found perplexing initially.
However, to avoid confusing audiences, he chose not to attach his name to the project. The production company has also delivered other successful movies, including Academy Award winners My Favorite Year and The Fly. In 2022, they produced Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank, an animated parody of Blazing Saddles featuring anthropomorphic animals in Feudal Japan. At the age of 96, Mel Brooks continues to thrive in his career.
Who are the Cast in “Blazing Saddles”?
Actor |
Role |
|
Cleavon Little |
Sheriff Bart |
|
Rodney Allen Rippy |
Young Bart (uncredited) |
|
Gene Wilder |
Jim the Waco Kid |
|
Slim Pickens |
Taggart |
|
Harvey Korman |
Hedley Lamarr |
|
Madeline Kahn |
Lili Von Shtupp |
|
Mel Brooks |
Governor William J. Le Petomane, Indian Chief, Aviator Applicant, Voice of German Dancer, Voice of Grouchy Moviegoer |
|
Burton Gilliam |
Lyle |
|
Alex Karras |
Mongo |
|
David Huddleston |
Olson Johnson |
|
Liam Dunn |
Rev. Johnson |
|
John Hillerman |
Howard Johnson |
|
George Furth |
Van Johnson |
|
Claude Ennis Starrett, Jr. |
Gabby Johnson |
|
Carol Arthur |
Harriett Johnson |
|
Richard Collier |
Dr. Sam Johnson |
|
Charles McGregor |
Charlie |
|
Robyn Hilton |
Miss Stein |
|
Don Megowan |
Gum Chewer |
|
Dom DeLuise |
Buddy Bizarre |
|
Count Basie |
Himself |
|
Robert Ridgely |
Boris, the hangman (uncredited) |
|
Ralph Manza |
Man dressed as Hitler (uncredited) |
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