Blazing Saddles: A Behind-the-Scenes Look, Even With An Infamous Line That Wasn’t Meant To Be Said
One of the funniest movies ever made by Warner Brothers was released in 1974. It was a huge hit when it debuted on the big screen, and it’s still going strong decades later. When the film was first released, critics had mixed feelings about it. It’s understandable that so many people were curious about the making of this ground-breaking and historically significant film. What you may not know about Blazing Saddles, the Western-spoof masterpiece that is still widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. These facts are certain to alter your view of the film when you watch it again.
An Unlikely Appearance
In the past, premiere nights at the movies were considered to be glitzy affairs, with A-listers arriving in limos and wearing the most expensive custom suits available on the market.
An Unlikely Appearance
The fact that guests arrived on horseback added a nice touch to the day, as it was in keeping with the film’s theme and added a nice touch of elegance to the proceedings.
Down You Go
You may recognize this scene: Mongo was confronted by another horse rider after parking his horse in a no-parking area. Mongo then calmly approached the horse and slammed it to the ground, knocking them both out.
Down You Go
It turns out that Brooks did not just make up this part out of thin air; instead, it was inspired by an actual story he heard from his former boss, Sid Caesar, who worked for him at the time.
Bad Taste
Despite how amusing Mongo’s knockout punch scene was considered, some viewers viewed it as indecent. There was outrage from animal rights activists over the treatment of the horse, even though no horses were hurt.
Bad Taste
While this may have been the case in the film, it was argued that a less threatening scene could have been used instead. Thanks to specially trained horses, the filmmakers were able to capture this scene without causing any harm to any animals.
Getting The Boot
Gig Young played the Waco Kid in the first round of shooting. Early on in the filming process, the Waco Kid hung from his bunk and berated Bart while intoxicated. You may think that Young is an excellent actor because of how well he portrays intoxication in these scenes.
Getting The Boot
Truth be told, he was so inebriated that production had to be halted because he couldn’t work. Gene Wilder was brought in to replace Gig. Young filed a breach of contract lawsuit against the studio years later.
Sleeping With The Stars
Some of the actors who appeared in a comedy film about cowboys’ flatulence took their roles very seriously. For one, Slim Pickens wanted to be Taggart, the thuggish gang leader who terrorized the residents of Rock Ridge and drove them from their home.
Sleeping With The Stars
Slim made the conscious decision to immerse himself in the character’s worldview by camped out in the open like a true cowboy. With his Winchester by his side, he reminded himself that he is an outlaw at all times.
Reach For The Sky
Sheriff Bart wasn’t exactly a household name, despite what you may have heard. Amazingly, he held a gun to his head in order to be released by the citizens of the town. Brooks was inspired to write this story by an incident from his youth.
Reach For The Sky
For fun as a kid, Mel went to the store and stole a water pistol and some gum. Mel threatened the clerk by pointing the “gun” at him and threatening to pull the trigger if he tried to stop him.
A Room Full Of Crickets
For Warner Brothers, the magic of The Producers could still be recreated by Brooks. However, early viewings of the film were met with disdain, and studio executives were concerned about how unfunny they found it.
A Room Full Of Crickets
Brooks, on the other hand, was certain that the film would be a hit once it was released to the public. Because of the positive early reviews, Warner Brothers eventually agreed to release the film.
A Stingy Studio
Brooks had to work hard to persuade the studio of the film’s potential prior to its release. The head of distribution said, “It’s simply too vulgar for the American people. Let’s dump it and take a loss.”
A Stingy Studio
President John Calley made the decision at this point to have the film first released in only a few cities. There were cities like Los Angeles and Chicago. As the summer came to an end, it had become the studio’s biggest hit.
The Gridiron Gang
By sending Mongo to Sheriff Bart instead of removing him from office, Harvey Korman’s Hedley Lamar may have failed to accomplish his goal. A successful football player in his prime was Alex Karras. As a player, Karras had an incredible 12 seasons in the NFL.
The Gridiron Gang
Karras was a nine-time All-Pro selection and a member of the 1960s NFL All-Decade team. The four-time Pro Bowler also went on to pursue a career in acting after he left the Detroit Lions. He first appeared in the Webster cast.
The Franchise That Never Was
Blazing Saddles’ success can be attributed to Andrew Bergman’s hilarious screenplay. As a result of the film’s success, his work has been incorporated into new works, such as the television series Black Bart. Louis Gosset Jr. played Bart in the pilot, which aired on April 4th, 1975.
The Franchise That Never Was
Despite never being seen by the general public, the show continued to film. This was due to the fact that the show was being produced as an official sequel under the terms of the contract.
Music Musical Chairs
It’s no secret that Brooks is a master of the unconventional. When he wanted to use music in the foreground instead of in the background, this was clearly relevant. In order to get the best band leader, he went with Count Basie.
Music Musical Chairs
“April in Paris” was performed by Basie and his band in the movie. He also wrote the theme song, sung by Frankie Laine, for the film. Quite an accomplishment for Brooks.
Your Name Is My Name
Hedly Lamarr was the perfect antagonist for Mel Brooks’ Blazing Saddles. A major setback was that the name of his character’s character was confusingly similar to the name of a well-known MGM star of the 1930s and 1940s.
Your Name Is My Name
Hedy Lamarr was unimpressed with the name’s resemblance to her own, which Harvey Korman had joked would result in a legal action. It did, but the parties involved were able to come to an agreement without going to trial.
A Child Arrived Just The Other Day
Max Brooks was born around the time that Mel Brooks began working on the Blazing Saddles script. A lack of funds at that time made him feel compelled by Brooks to make the film work.
A Child Arrived Just The Other Day
Amidst the disdain he felt for appearing to be a “sellout” for accepting any project, the writer said he felt like Charles Dickens in accepting the job because he was desperate for money. Because of this, Brooks was determined to produce a quality film.
The Uninvited Extra
Sheriff Bart and the Waco Kid are pursued through the backlot of the Warner Brothers movie in an iconic scene that closes out the film. They burst through the gates, shattering the illusion, and everyone but one turns right.
The Uninvited Extra
It turned out that guy was just a passerby who had wandered onto the set and had no idea what was going on. Brooks asked him to sign off on the appearance and let him stay after he agreed to it.
You’re Fired!
Prior to the start of Blazing Saddles production, Madeline Kahn had already been cast in the film adaptation of Mame. Lucille Ball and Bea Arthur starred in the musical adaptation of Mame, which was based on the Broadway show.
You’re Fired!
Mame fired Madeline just one day before she started working on Blazing Saddles. Ball alleged that Kahn was trying to get fired so she could concentrate on playing Lili von Shtupp instead.
There’s Magic In The Air On Broadway
In light of the success of The Producers on Broadway, he was asked about bringing Blazing Saddles to Broadway. Brooks has a plan, but he’s worried that the risqué material won’t fly anymore. Brooks
There’s Magic In The Air On Broadway
He said, “It’s pretty dangerous stuff, using the N-word. I wouldn’t shy away from it, but I don’t know if I could get away with it. I got away with it then. I don’t know if I could get away with it today.”
If I May Say So Myself
A lot of people love Mel Brooks because of his work on the hysterical Blazing Saddles. He couldn’t help but admit that he believes it to be one of the funniest films of all time, despite his self-consciousness.
If I May Say So Myself
Although Billy Wilder’s film is hilarious, Brooks claimed that his film has more laughs scene for scene than that of Billy Wilder’s. This may be the funniest movie ever made, but I’m not supposed to say that.
Legging It Out
During the creation of Lili von Shtupp, Brooks was aware of Madeline Kahn’s comedic abilities. During her audition for the part, Brooks insisted on seeing her legs. “Oh, you’re that kind of guy,” Kahn said, assuming he had ulterior motives.
Legging It Out
Brooks then clarified that the character was a parody of Marlene Dietrich, and as a result, she required a pair of slender legs. She acknowledged his feelings, but warned him, “No touching!”
The Choice Pryor To Cleavon
Initially, Mel Brooks wanted to cast Richard Pryor as Sheriff Bart, but he changed his mind. “The most blessed with talent,” Mel said of the comedian, who impressed him greatly. In spite of this, Pryor is a controversial figure because of his vulgarity and substance abuse issues, which nearly led to him setting himself on fire.
The Choice Pryor To Cleavon
Despite the fact that Brooks wanted Pryor despite everything, the studio recommended Cleavon Little instead. The part of Little was given to Cleavon after Brooks noticed how well Little delivered the lines.
I Can’t Say That, Can I?
Actor Burton Gilliam portrayed Lyle, one of the villain’s henchmen. Lyle used a racial epithet to refer to Sherrif Bart in the script. Burton was reluctant to use the word because it carries such a heavy connotation. Little, on the other hand, recognized the seriousness of the situation and gave the green light to Gilliam.
I Can’t Say That, Can I?
Little, on the other hand, stated: “if I thought you would say those words to me in any other situation we’d go to fist city, but this is all fun. Don’t worry about it.”
On The Cutting Floor
Mel Brooks broke new ground in comedy. This amused everyone, but the studio was concerned. But Mel only cut the scene that was the most risqué. During the time Bart and Lili von Shtupp were in her dressing room.
On The Cutting Floor
Tempting him by blowing out his candle, she asks him a question, “Is it true what they say about you people?” and Bart shoots back “I hate to disillusion you, ma’am, but you’re sucking on my arm.”
Calling On The Duke
You want to give a nod to the original when making a parody. It was for this reason that Mel decided to cast the venerable actor John Wayne in his film. On the Warner Brothers lot, a chance encounter led to John telling Mel that he had heard about his film.
Calling On The Duke
Mel penned a brief piece for Wayne, but he ultimately declined the offer, stating “Naw, I can’t do a movie like that, but I’ll be first in line to see it!”
Quid Pro Quo
Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder first worked together on a film called The Producers, in which the legendary comedian Gene Wilder played a supporting role. Wilder struck a deal with Mel to get Gene into Blazing Saddles.
Quid Pro Quo
if Brooks were to look over Gene’s script that he started writing and turn it into film, he said he would be in Mel’s film as well. As far as Mel was concerned, the same could be said. Who wrote that? For the Oscar-nominated film Young Frankenstein, this award was given.
Who Passed Gas?
Slapstick is one of Mel’s favorite forms of comedy. People are being injured as a result of his stunts, which include head banging on window sills, falling, and other mishaps. In Blazing Saddles, he pioneered another slapstick gag: the inclusion of farting sounds.
Who Passed Gas?
There’s a famous scene where a group of cowboys gather around an open fire to eat and drink baked beans. Mel decided to film the cowboys’ stomachs gurgling because he thought it was an inevitability.
Musical Half-Truths
You may have to tell a little white lie to get what you want. This is what Mel Brooks did to Blazing Saddles composer Frankie Laine. The 75 years that Laine spent working as a singer and songwriter is a record that not many people can claim.
Musical Half Truths
Initially, Laine thought the Western was a dramatic piece of work, rather than a parody. In order to avoid changing the song, Mel didn’t tell Laine that the movie was a comedy. Brooks was concerned that Laine would do so.
Hidden References
When Mel Brooks wrote the script for Blazing Saddles, he paid close attention to every word. Every word in the book was chosen with care, whether it was to make you laugh, cry, or just further the plot.
Hidden References
If you listen closely, you’ll hear a Mexican man exclaim, “Mongo! Santa Maria!” as Mongo rides into town on his horse. Brooks added this line as a tribute to the legendary Cuban jazz musician Mongo Santamaria.
A Mel Brooks Sing-A-Long
Towards the end of the film, when Hedley Lamarr and his men ride into a fictitious town built by the Sheriff and Waco Kid, the camera briefly cuts away from the action. The camera shifts to Lilly von Schtupp and a group of German soldiers as they ride into town and begin to sing a drinking song.
A Mel Brooks Sing A Long
Gene Wilder and Zero Mostel sing a drinking song with Kenneth Mars in the film The Producers, and it was the same song that they were singing while having a drink.
A Chocolate Covered Treat For Life
Product placement in a movie can go a long way, as Harvey Korman discovers after stopping at the movie theater concession stand to buy popcorn at the film’s conclusion. Brooks admitted that he bought some Raisinets during the chaos, which led to an increase in sales.
A Chocolate Covered Treat For Life
His comments to Playboy magazine in 1975 were as follows: “We mentioned Raisinets in Blazing Saddles, and now the company sends me a gross of them every month. A gross of Raisinets!”
Shout It Out Loud
In order to write the Blazing Saddles script, many people fought for their ideas, so it wasn’t an easy task. “Blazing Saddles was written in the middle of a drunken fistfight,” Brooks once remarked.
Shout It Out Loud
Continuing, “There were five of us all yelling loudly for our ideas to be put into the movie. Not only was I the loudest, but luckily I also had the right as director to decide what was in or out.”
The Waco (Casting) Disaster
It’s impossible to imagine anyone else playing Gene Wilder’s iconic Waco Kid character in the film after seeing him in action. Brooks, on the other hand, first approached other actors, including Johnny Carson, about the role. As a result, the role was offered to Gig Young, a late-night television host who declined it.
Despite the fact that he was to play the drunk Waco Kid on-screen, it appears that his problems with alcohol off-screen had an impact on his performance on set, and he was eventually replaced by Wilder.
Fart Art
Every word and remark in Brooks’ script was meticulously considered; so too was his decision to include more than one fart reference in the film. Joseph Pujol, a “flatulence artist” who went by the stage name “Le Petomane,” was the inspiration for Governor Le Petomane.
Fart Art
Due to his strong abdominal muscles, the French performer was able to pass gas at the drop of a hat. For his name, ‘peter’ means fart in French, and a suffix of ‘mane’ (maniac) means fart maniac in English.
Bringing In A Comedic Genius
Meanwhile, Brooks was working on a television series called Your Show of Shows while also writing the screenplay for Blazing Saddles. In New York City, he came up with the idea after seeing Richard Pryor perform at the Vanguard nightclub one night.
Bringing In A Comedic Genius
When Brooks and Pryor first met, they struck up a conversation and Brooks offered Pryor a part. The rest is history, and Pryor played a crucial role in it. He penned the bulk of Mongo’s lines.
What’s In A Name?
The title was one of the most contentious issues that the authors had to work through. This film was originally called Ten X, which is a reference to Malcolm X. In the end, the name was changed to Black Bart instead.
What’s In A Name?
It didn’t make a difference to the writers, who considered The Purple Sage as an alternative name. Later, while bathing, Brooks came up with the moniker “Blazing Saddles”. It was an instant hit with his wife, and the rest is history.
Whatever Helps You Sleep At Night
After Brooks screened the film for Warner Brothers, the company’s CEO, Ted Ashley, was not pleased. Brooks was cornered by Ashley and she ordered, “You have to do the following: take out (the N-word), take out the bean scene, punching a horse, the Lili von Shtupp and the black sheriff ‘you’re sucking my arm,’ or something.”
Whatever Helps You Sleep At Night
Continuing, “You’ve got to take it all out.” Brooks replied, “Great! They’re all out.” As soon as he heard that the notes were gone he threw them in the trash and went on his merry way.
Not In The Script
Of course, the comedy was famous for its witty and hilarious lines, but one in particular stood out. When Bart was ostracized by his community, Waco Kid comforted him by saying: “You’ve got to remember that these are just simple farmers. These are people of the land. The common clay of the new West. You know… morons.”
Not In The Script
When the final part of the line, “you know… morons,” was thrown in on the fly, Cleavon Little burst out laughing as a result of his own spontaneous comedy routine.