Blazing Saddles is a 1974 satirical Western-Comedy written and
directed by Mel Brooks. One of Brooks’ many parody films, Blazing Saddles was a huge box office hit, becoming only the tenth
film in history to pass the $100 million mark upon its release. It opened to
mixed reviews but is now generally regarded as a classic. The film takes place
in the Old West in 1874 where the peaceful town of Rock Ridge is under siege
from a crocked State Attorney General (Harvey Korman) who wants to clear the
town in order to build his new railroad through it. The local townsfolk decide
to send for a Sheriff and the Governor (who is under the control of the
Attorney General) sends a black man (Cleavon Little) in the hope that his
presence in the little, all while town will send the residents fleeing faster
than any gun slinging cowboy could.
Like most people, I have seen Blazing Saddles before. It’s one of
those films that you’ve probably seen bits of, even if you’ve never heard of
it. The beans scene for instance will be instantly recognisable to everyone.
The one and only time that I saw the film before today was probably about fifteen
years ago, before my voice (and other things) had dropped. I remember laughing
a lot at the film and thought I was well over due a second watch.
Disappointingly I didn’t laugh much this time. I chuckled occasionally and
liked the whole idea of the film but much of the humour either went over my
head or under my nose.
