Considered one of the greatest American comedies, the film "Blazing Saddles," is having its 40th anniversary. Juxtaposing toilet humor and a genuine critique on racism and prejudice, the satire was a box office smash when it opened in 1974.
Directed and written by Mel Brooks, the story is about a corrupt politician, who appoints a black man as sheriff, thinking his presence will run people out of town. Instead, the sheriff becomes his greatest adversary.
An iconic fart scene, repeated use of the “n” word, and even breaking the “fourth wall” all contribute to making "Blazing Saddles" both a trailblazer, and as Mel Brooks put it, “...the most real belly laughs of any movie ever made."
The 40th anniversary Blu-Ray edition of Blazing Saddles is now available. The release includes new commentary and interviews from Mel Brooks as he reflects on his own film legacy.
Guests:
Tim Cogshell, film critic for KPCC and Alt Film Guide
Peter Rainer, film critic for KPCC and the Christian Science Monitor; author of “Rainer on Film: Thirty Years of Film Writing in a Turbulent and Transformative Era”
Charles Solomon, animation film critic for KPCC and Indiewire animation scoop
