Blazing Saddles (1974)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Alexander D

  
  Western satire and racial vulgarity are the crux of what makes Mel Brooks's Western spoof funny. The story, set in 1874 (100 years prior to the film's release), is of Bart (Broadway star Cleavon Little), an African-American slave in the Old West. After being appointed… More
  Western satire and racial vulgarity are the crux of what makes Mel Brooks's Western spoof funny. The story, set in 1874 (100 years prior to the film's release), is of Bart (Broadway star Cleavon Little), an African-American slave in the Old West. After being appointed sheriff by political boss Hedley Lamarr (Harvey Korman), he strikes a friendship with fictional Western legend Jim the Waco Kid (Gene Wilder), and realizes immediately that Lamarr is completely overbearing and wants him out of the West. What I personally love about BLAZING SADDLES is the unfathomably odd ways in which it made cinematic history. Who knew: the infamous bean dinner scene held the first "bloozers" (Mel Brooks's unique term) ever to appear in film. I find even funnier the scene in which one man tells another man he can't "park [his] animal there," and the second man responds by punching the first man's horse in the face. Make sure to thank Mr. Brooks the next time you see, "No animals were harmed in the making of this film."

• Brad W

  
  Blazing Saddles is an american classic, it may be one of the funniest spoofs ever made, and is also one of Mel Brooks best film.

• Jeff "

  
  Mel Brooks' Blazing Saddles is an essential comedy classic. The film is a must see spoof of the Western genre. Blazing Saddles is a brilliant film with plenty of laughs. Mel Brooks has assembled one terrific cast and they all deliver great performances. The thing that really… More
  Mel Brooks' Blazing Saddles is an essential comedy classic. The film is a must see spoof of the Western genre. Blazing Saddles is a brilliant film with plenty of laughs. Mel Brooks has assembled one terrific cast and they all deliver great performances. The thing that really stood out for Blazing Saddles, that I thought was very humorous was the deliberate use of many anachronisms. I thought the fact that it did so many times; it made this film so much funnier. The film is crude, but you can't deny its terrific use of comedy. This is one of the best films that Mel Brooks has made. Blazing Saddles is filled with hilarious comedic moments, and the cast involved definitely make this film worth seeing. If you're a fan of Westerns, but a more comedic element to the point it's a spoof, then Blazing Saddles is the film for you. There's a strong cast on screen, and they all deliver something, funny and clever that will appeal to viewers. If you're a fan of Mel Brooks' work, then give this one a viewing, or if you already have seen it, then pop it into your DVD player and revisit this timeless Western spoof. There's so much to love about Blazing Saddles and the comedy displayed on screen, is of course crude and vulgar at times, but its all in good fun. If you're a fan of Brooks' work, then you're most likely going to enjoy this real comedy classic. This is definitely not a comedy to miss out on. Superbly well acted and with sharp, witty comedy will make this a film that you'll remember for a long time.

• Tim S

  
  Mel Brooks' comedy masterpiece Blazing Saddles has never lost any of its comedic value since its 1974 theatrical release. It holds just as much power for laughter as it did nearly 40 years ago. The amazing cast includes Gene Wilder, Harvey Korman, Slim Pickens, Madeline Kahn and… More
  Mel Brooks' comedy masterpiece Blazing Saddles has never lost any of its comedic value since its 1974 theatrical release. It holds just as much power for laughter as it did nearly 40 years ago. The amazing cast includes Gene Wilder, Harvey Korman, Slim Pickens, Madeline Kahn and a bit of inspired casting with Cleavon Little. Everybody is on top of their game with this one. Stories have been told that both John Wayne and Richard Pryor were asked to be in the film, with Pryor still sharing a screen credit today. I can't imagine what that version of the film would have been like but it's amazing to ponder. People consider Young Frankenstein the great Mel Brooks classic, but I consider it second to this. It's a far more superior comedy, and I guess a bit subversive also.

• Dean !

  
  Still quite a funny spoof on westerns by today's standards.

• Matheus C

  
  Politically-incorred, vulgar, crude, infamous, nonsense. And I had a terrific time watching it.

• Melvin W

  
  "Excuse me while I whip this out." Blazing Saddles is the best spoof ever. A minute doesn't go by without a laugh. Some of them may be cheap laughs, but it's a Mel Brooks movie so that should be expected. It hits on so many cliches in the western genre, it's… More
  "Excuse me while I whip this out." Blazing Saddles is the best spoof ever. A minute doesn't go by without a laugh. Some of them may be cheap laughs, but it's a Mel Brooks movie so that should be expected. It hits on so many cliches in the western genre, it's ridiculous and has so many scenes that are just classic. I'm glad Cleavon Little got the role of Bart instead of Richard Pryor. I can't see anybody else in that role not even Pryor. Blazing Saddles is easily one of Mel Brooks best films.

• EightThirty .

  
  03/04/2011 (PS3/Blu-Ray) I got this on Blu-Ray for a bargain and it looks the bloody same as DVD!! Anyway it is still a funny flick to watch and honestly, it is very childish at times in humor, it's probably why I enjoyed it more as a kid however, there are scenes where I just… More
  03/04/2011 (PS3/Blu-Ray) I got this on Blu-Ray for a bargain and it looks the bloody same as DVD!! Anyway it is still a funny flick to watch and honestly, it is very childish at times in humor, it's probably why I enjoyed it more as a kid however, there are scenes where I just keep rewinding to laugh at cause I don't want to stop laughing... cause its good for my abs. I love these "'Mel Brooks' flicks, they are tremendous in entertainment and the fun is consistent. I like westerns and I like comedy so its a pretty gun-blazing fusion for me with laughing and looting, horses and humor and only now I noticed the suggestive themes that, believe it or not, I missed as a youngster, anyhow, I finally got it. It's still got it! Not as funny as I remembered but it will leave you gutted from laughing the first time you experience a ride on one of these Blazing Saddles!

• Coxxie M

  
  I was told this movie was supposed to be BLAZING. instead its just kinda like, grilled with some sweet and sour sauce.

• AJ V

  
  My least favourite of Brook's comedy spoofs. I suppose it's because I don't like westerns anyway.

• Randy T

  
  It's hard to dislike Mr. Brooks and his entourage of usual suspects.

• Film C

  
  loved it, a nice funny western that anyone can enjoy!! i love gene wilder and this is a good movie to watch!

• Conner R

  
  I actually think that next to Young Frankenstein, this is Mel Brooks' best movie. It is a great satire of the western era and critically analyzes the characters and mindset of the time. Gene Wilder was priceless and always gives such a great effort.

• David S

  
  Ah, the 70's. A good time for Mel Brooks. Young Frankenstein would become one of his most beloved productions, Silent Movie gathered some of the most beloved actors and actresses for a homage to film styles long past and his Hitchcock parody High Anxiety impressed the director so… More
  Ah, the 70's. A good time for Mel Brooks. Young Frankenstein would become one of his most beloved productions, Silent Movie gathered some of the most beloved actors and actresses for a homage to film styles long past and his Hitchcock parody High Anxiety impressed the director so much, he sent him a case of wine as congratulations, knowing that Brooks had a passion for wine. And of course, perhaps his most well known film (though sometimes tied with the aforementioned Young Frankenstein and Spaceballs), which pulled off quite a few feats. The plot? Well... a black man becomes sheriff of a town. Yep, simple as that. Well, OK, there is a little more to it but hey, it's a spoof on the western. That right there is pretty much all you need to know. Said black man is Bart, played by Cleavon Little and, to quote the movie, is so talented. The character is clever, bold, gentlemanly to a point and noble, again, to a point. He and The Waco Kid (Gene Wilder, who shares an actor/director relationship with Mel Brooks on par with that of Depp and Burton) make a great combination, two good natured gentlemen just trying to keep the peace. And who is disrupting that peace? Glad you asked! And if you didn't ask well... I'm still telling you. That would be our lead villain, Hedy Lamarr (that's HEDLEY!) played by Harvey Korman. At this point, I would like to express that Hedy (HEDLEY!) is one of my absolute favourite screen villains of all time. Utterly charismatic, highly intelligent, complex and, just like the thespian portraying him, a great actor, able to convince most people of just about anything. Though I wonder if that's all him or just in part due to Korman's incredible talent and wonderful voice. One of the more unusual moments involves what is often known as a "pet the dog" moment (though doesn't quite qualify since that's usually reserved for anti-heroes or gruff protagonists. Gran Torino's lead is a better example) which involves Hedy (HEDLEY, damnit!) in the bath. After divulging yet another evil scheme, he suddenly looks concerned. Why? He's wondering where his "fwoggy" is. After shouting at his hapless evil minion to find it, he's happy again and even says "Daddy loves Fwoggy. Does Fwoggy love Daddy?" to which he squeaks the frog and then looks content. Bizarre? Yes. Out of place? Not so much in a spoof but still odd. Kind of sweet? You bet. One other aspect that makes him a villain to watch intently is that he has hints of being genre savvy and he breaks the fourth wall quite a bit (like when he's pondering about how he's going to find a new sheriff for Rock Ridge and then wonders why he's asking us, the audience) and this makes for some outrageous laughs towards the end (more on that later), especially with his line to the gang of villains he enlists in one last attempt to claim Rock Ridge as his own about how while they're risking his lives, he's risking an almost certain Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Now, if he had won that, not only would that have been well deserved but immensely funny too. When it comes to a spoof/parody, the most important thing a person needs to know is if it's funny or not. To me, this is how a spoof should conduct itself (or failing that, they should follow almost anything involving the Zuckers, Leslie Neilson or some of Brooks' other work). Besides breaking the fourth wall and spouting anachronisms, mostly dealing with pop culture and technology, there are clever ideas, lampshade hanging on cliches (Hedy, *hears from offscreen again "That's HEDLEY!"* has disdain for "cutting off at the pass") and yes, even a farting scene. I must point out, that's the weak spot of the film for me. OK, beans cause gas. We get it, please move on. Supposedly, it's the first major film to include flatulence. Scenes I do enjoy include Bart's way of handing Mongo (Alex Karras) Looney Tunes style (complete with music from said franchise); the aforementioned Mongo punching out a horse; the townspeople discovering the new sheriff is black; and one of the greatest things ever, Bart getting away from that hostile crowd by holding HIMSELF hostage! Here's an excerpt from when he's pretending to be the hostage: "Oh, Lawdy-Lawd, he's desp'at! Do what he say, do what he saaaayyyy... do what he saaaayyyy..." putting on a gruffer voice when he's the madman taking himself hostage. Without giving too many specifics of the ending, it's just mad! The characters from the movie break out onto another set, start a fight there and continue their brawling all around the movie lot and then Hedy (HEDLEY! *Cocks gun*)... whoa, take it easy! Anyway, Hedley (happy now? Put the gun down!) actually walks into a movie theatre and sits down to watch this film! Anyone thinking that's familiar will probably know that from a later Mel Brooks work, Spaceballs. Also, I want to mention that the theme song is just wonderful. And the story behind it is quite amusing, too. Mel once put out an ad saying he wanted a Frankie Lane-type singer to do the song for the film. Frankie himself showed up and just wowed Mel over. Mel didn't have the heart to tell him it was a parody and kept the song anyway. Good thing, too. I do wonder if Frankie ever found out... Throw in all that AND Madeline Kahn and you have yet another golden effort from Brooks. Now if you'll excuse me, there's a tollbooth that's mysteriously appeared here in this open land and I gotta get me a shitload of dimes.

• Jennifer D

  
  I think I have seen funnier Mel Brooks films, but it was still funny and the end was awesome. :)

• Anthony L

  
  I like Cleavon Little but I would have loved to have seen Pryor take the lead as was first planned. It?s still a great film though, a tiny bit dated but still fun!

• danny d

  
  although i believe that this film miss stepped at the end during a studio sequence which most people loved, there is no denying that this is one of the funniest films ever made. much of the humor is taboo and would never pass today even in my own tastes, but there is a charm and… More
  although i believe that this film miss stepped at the end during a studio sequence which most people loved, there is no denying that this is one of the funniest films ever made. much of the humor is taboo and would never pass today even in my own tastes, but there is a charm and understanding of the humor in regards to the time that helps this film to endure. one of the great comedies of all time.

• Phil H

  
  This is slightly dated now and not quite as amusing as I remember but its still classic stuff. One of Brooks better comedies for sheer imagination and some golden gag work. The un-pc look and feel of the film is what makes it so great, in todays over the top world where you cant say… More
  This is slightly dated now and not quite as amusing as I remember but its still classic stuff. One of Brooks better comedies for sheer imagination and some golden gag work. The un-pc look and feel of the film is what makes it so great, in todays over the top world where you cant say or do anything its lost and would go down like a porkchop in Palestine LOL But this is what makes the film, alook back in history when people could laugh at themselves which always make for good comedy. Almost a carry on really, mucky jokes with a side order of ham and plenty of salad dressing. The film is cheap and basic lookin yet this makes it even funnier, the characters are stupid but spoof many old classic golden oldies, lampooning their serious manner so well, Korman standing out as a real cad. One of the best from the best spoofer around. ' what in the wild wild world of sports is going on here?'

• Chris G

  
  Mel Brooks' best film is this parody of westerns starring Cleavon Little as the sheriff of a western town being threatened by an unscrupulous attorney general (the magnificent Harvey Korman) who is also land speculating the new railroad. If Blazing Saddles was released today it… More
  Mel Brooks' best film is this parody of westerns starring Cleavon Little as the sheriff of a western town being threatened by an unscrupulous attorney general (the magnificent Harvey Korman) who is also land speculating the new railroad. If Blazing Saddles was released today it would be bashed by every watchdog of political correctness known to man, which goes to show that the stick up America's ass has grown in the last thirty-five years. Co-written by Richard Pryor, who had planned to star in Little's role, the film is a reflection of Pryor's act mixed with Mel Brook's humor. This is a very raunchy Mel Brooks film mainly because of Pryor's involvement. Is it a look at society? It probably wasn't meant to be but it sure is taken that way, one way or another. But at its core Blazing Saddles is a homage to the old westerns of John Ford just as Young Frankenstein pays tribute to the Universal monster movies. They're very endearing to their source material while making fun of it and that's why they work on such a better level than some of the parody trash that comes out today. That and the fact that Blazing Saddles has better acting and is actually funny. A classic.

• Daniel J D

  
  A good movie to watch with your baby boomer parents.

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