Blazing Saddles, Mel Brooks’ 1974 classic comedy, is one of the most adored and successful films of all time. Almost 50 years after its release, it remains a Hollywood staple, gaining new fans every day. The funny spoof Western mocked the popular genre and had audiences smiling all the way home, but not everyone knew the full story behind the scenes. Let’s look at some of the secrets from the set of this legendary film.
Behind-the-Scenes Facts of “Blazing Saddles” that the Director didn’t Want Anyone to Know
Not For Today’s Time
Blazing Saddles is a beloved and classic film, but there’s no disputing that it’s controversial, with some frightening moments and language that wouldn’t be tolerated today. Writer Andrew Bergman said, “You couldn’t make this movie today. You can’t say the N-word in a movie today, not even in a comic way,” according to The Telegraph. He is undoubtedly correct—but perhaps that is for the best!
Not For Today’s Time
Skillful Singing Performance
We’ve all heard and loved Frankie Laine’s wonderful theme song for the movie. It’s quite convincing, and it sounds exactly like the theme song from a true Western! But did you know that this was due to creator Mel Brooks’ deception? He actually didn’t notify Lane that the film was a satire. He assured him that was a genuine Western, so he sang it seriously! It definitely worked!
Skillful Singing Performance
Breach Of Contract
After WB dismissed Young and replaced him with Gene Wilder, Young was quite furious and planned to sue the production company for breach of contract. According to Mel Brooks, “On the first day of shooting…we hung him upside down in the jail cell, and green stuff started spewing out of his mouth,” in an interview with Rolling Stone. Sounds like Young was the one who broke the deal!
Breach Of Contract
Unexpected Cameo
One of the film’s funniest moments is when the entire group runs out of the studio at the end. Especially when you see them sprinting out of the WB gates with a random stranger standing there staring at them! But we bet you didn’t realize this man was a real-life onlooker—they tried to get him to move out of the way, but he didn’t listen. So Brooks simply handed him a waiver and let him appear in the movie!
Unexpected Cameo
Iconic Face
Lili Von Shtupp is undoubtedly one of the most beloved and amusing characters in the classic film, but did you realize she is based on a real-life person? That’s why Brooks cared so much about Kahn having movie-star legs. That’s correct! Shtupp is a spoof of Hollywood superstar Marlene Dietrich. Blazing Saddles made mockery of the entire film industry, not just Westerns.
Iconic Face
Memorable Movie Event
Blazing Saddles is known for being absolutely amusing and insane, both in the story and behind the scenes. So visitors made the film’s world premiere just as chaotic, holding it at the now-demolished Pickwick Drive-In Theater in Burbank, California. But instead of driving in, the guests arrived on horseback! Talk about a memorable cinematic event that fits the genre’s concept perfectly.
Memorable Movie Event
Hidden References
Another reason Western lovers enjoy viewing this ludicrous parody of the genre is because it has numerous small concealed references to many of the era’s most popular films. For example, did you see the scene in which Mongo awakens at the Sheriff’s office, where Bart is hanging wanted posters? One of these posters can also be found in the 1959 film Rio Bravo, which starred iconic cowboy movie star John Wayne.
Hidden References
Major Rule
One of the most important rules in filmmaking is to never breach the fourth wall, which means not looking directly at the camera or speaking to the audience. This utterly removes your feeling of reality and reminds you that you are watching a movie! However, this bizarre film ignored conventional conventions, and Bart not only randomly hugged himself, but also turned directly to the camera and addressed the audience. Absolutely hilarious.
Major Rule
Removed on Purpose
Despite her doubts during the audition, Kahn was quite excited to play Shtupp. In fact, Lucille Ball accused her of intentionally giving a horrible performance in her previous film Mame so that she would be fired! She was sacked, and the next day she started working on Blazing Saddles. Because she was dismissed rather than quit, she received pay for both films.
Removed On Purpose
Not that Actor, Please!
Even while it appeared like Mel Brooks was unafraid to make his film as controversial as he desired, the truth is that he did not have complete control over all production decisions. Brooks intended to cast Richard Pryor but did not get his way. Brooks wanted him for the role of Bart, but no one would fund him because he was too controversial! Instead, he cast Cleavon Little and hired Pryor to help write the film’s script.
Not That Actor, Please!
Legendary Film
Even though it was released nearly 50 years ago, the film remains one of the most beloved and popular of all time. Even now, it appears on many popular “best-of” lists. In AFI’s “100 Years…100 Laughs” list, Blazing Saddles ranked sixth. That’s quite impressive for a film that almost didn’t get released.
Legendary Film
Deleted Parts
Despite Brooks’ refusal to delete any of the problematic scenes that the producers wanted to remove, one sequence was so risqué that it did not make the final cut. It was when Lili tried to lure Bart in the dark and asked, “Is it true what they tell about you people?”. Even more frightening, Bart responds in the dark, “I hate to disappoint you, ma’am, but you’re sucking on my arm.” Oh my goodness! The disturbing sequence can now be found in the deleted scenes.
Deleted Parts
Laughter or Despair
Despite the fact that the film dealt with difficult issues, it was nonetheless extremely funny. This can be a difficult undertaking, but when done well, it has even more of an impact. Gene Wilder, one of the film’s stars, stated it best: “They’ve smashed racism in the face, but they’re doing it while you laugh,” according to the Washington Examiner. Combining serious themes with humor can be the most efficient method to convey a message.
Laughter Or Despair
Not For All
When the film was finished, Mel Brooks realized he had made a hilarious and fantastic comedy. However, the execs at Warner Brothers disagreed! At the first screening, it received almost no laughs, prompting them to consider whether to release it at all. But Brooks knew what to do: he held another screening, this time for average people, or WB employees. The employees laughed hysterically, and the film was approved!
Not For All
Farting Jokes
Farting and flatulence jokes are rather common nowadays. But did you know that when Blazing Saddles was first published in the 1970s, it was both unusual and shocking? So the infamous farting scene at the campsite was one of the first film scenes to feature the sound of farts. What an odd yet intriguing movie milestone and honor for Brooks!
Farting Jokes
Hero or Not?
Even though Mel Brooks is considered a national treasure and hero of the movie industry, Madeleine Kahn revealed that he had actually done something not so savory. According to her, when she auditioned for the role of Lili, he asked her to pull up her skirt and show him her legs! He insisted that it was to see if her legs looked right for the role, not because he was being creepy. She did so but informed him that he could only look, not touch.
Hero or Not?
To Give Credit Where it’s Due
Despite the fact that the film has several great performers in classic parts, some of the actors and their roles were not properly credited. For example, Don Megowan was credited as “Gum Chewer”. But it wasn’t his job; instead, he portrayed the drunken lout who lunged at Lili onstage. So, why was he not credited? Was it on intent or by mistake? We can only guess!
To Give Credit Where It’s Due
Unpopular Inspiration
You never know when the bright light of inspiration will hit! Despite the fact that they had made significant work on the film, Mel Brooks took a long time to come up with the ideal title. He tried other names, including Tex X, Black Bart, and The Purple Sage, but none of them worked. While having a shower, he suddenly came up with the title Blazing Saddles! A true example of inspiration flowing down from above.
Unpopular Inspiration
Iconic Set
In addition to drawing on iconic material from other great films, you may be surprised to learn that Blazing Saddles spawned several additional scenes and films in the years after its premiere. When you watch the shot of the Warner studio buildings at the end, you can spot another set. That is the set of the film The Dukes of Hazzard, which was released five years later!
Iconic Set
Ticking the Right Boxes
We all remember Blazing Saddles as a crazy and sometimes boundary-pushing film, especially given how horrified WB execs were by it. It’s astonishing to believe that this was the entire aim of the production. When Brooks first signed on to create the film, based on Andrew Bergman’s original story proposal, he told his writing team, “Please do not write a polite script,” according to USA Today. They certainly followed the guidelines!
Ticking The Right Boxes
Movie References
In addition to mocking the entire genre of Western film adventures, Mel Brooks incorporates a handful of references to his own earlier works in the sequences. When Von Shtupp first appears in the film, we hear a rather familiar music. Did you recognize it? That’s correct! It’s the first few notes of “Springtime For Hitler,” a song from Mel Brooks’ second famous film, 1967’s mega-hit The Producers.
Movie References
Language Lols
In addition to the Hebrew text on Mel Brooks’ hat in the movie poster, another reference to a comparable language appears elsewhere in the film. When Brooks appears as the Indian Chief, he appears to be speaking an Indian language, but he is actually speaking Yiddish! He says, “Blacks!” “Don’t be crazy!” “Let them go!” and “Have you ever seen in your life?!”
Language Lols
Hilarious Hebrew
Did you notice Mel Brooks sporting a headband with Hebrew calligraphy on the movie poster? We bet you’re not sure what it implies! The truth is that it has no genuine meaning! It reads “Kosher for Passover” with the letters reversed. So it sort of reads, “Posher for Kassover,” which obviously makes no sense! Another amusing layer to Mel Brooks’ insane brilliance.
Hilarious Hebrew
Saucy Song Lyrics
Blazing Saddles is not simply known for its witty banter and frightening scenes. It was also the soundtrack, particularly the popular song “I’m Tired”. Mel Brooks is known for being a controversial director, but he admits that even he was surprised by this song! He said it was the “dirtiest song I ever wrote in my life.”
Saucy Song Lyrics
Tough Topic
Blazing Saddles is well-known for being a laugh-a-minute comedy, but it also addresses some difficult and contentious issues. For example, the film has numerous references to racism, with some of the characters saying some really terrible things. So much so that Burton Gilliam struggled to deliver some of his lines, especially when he was asked to use the N-word. So how did he motivate himself to accomplish it?
Tough Topic
Wild Writing Process
And if you thought the insane scenes were written entirely from imagination, with a calm writers’ room working hard to create the turmoil, you were mistaken! The truth was that the writers’ room was about as insane as the film itself. “It was more or less written in the middle of a drunken fistfight,” Brooks admitted in an interview with Creative Screenwriting. There were five of us yelling loudly for our ideas to be incorporated into the film.”
Wild Writing Process
Fighting Prejudice
Even though the picture features some highly contentious sequences and language, notably regarding racism, the truth is that Mel Brooks developed Blazing Saddles as his own means of combating prejudice in the world. Even though the picture features some highly contentious sequences and language, notably regarding racism, the truth is that Mel Brooks developed Blazing Saddles as his own means of combating prejudice in the world.
Fighting Prejudice
Little Encouragement
Gilliam found it tough to deliver the words and racist conversation to his co-star and buddy Cleavon Little. Little had to pull him aside on the set and explain that he was not offended by his usage of the phrase. “If I thought you would say those words to me in any other situation we’d go to fist city,” Cleavon said with a laugh. “But this is all fun. Don’t worry about it.”
Little Encouragement
Angry Reaction
When Brooks first filmed the film, he got in a lot of problems because of its provocative themes. In addition to his recurrent use of the N-word, the film included many scenes that would not be acceptable today, such as the campfire farting scene, Lili Von Shtupp courting Bart in the dark, and a horse being knocked senseless. However, because Brooks had complete control over the film, he defied all pressure from film executives and refused to change anything.
Angry Reaction
Horse Violence
In one of the most terrifying scenes, Mongo knocks out a horse with a powerful punch. This appears to be one of the craziest strains of the imagination, yet it’s actually based on a true story! Brooks’ friend and occasional co-star Sid Caesar once said that he punched his wife’s horse in the head, knocking it unconscious. He did it to protect his wife, which may make it seem less horrible.
Horse Violence
Real Reaction
Cleavon Little’s reaction to the legendary “you know… morons” phrase is a beloved and amusing scene in the film. But did you know? This wasn’t even acting! The truth was that Cleavon had no idea this phrase was coming, so it caught him completely off guard. The reaction you see in the film is his real-life reaction, completely spontaneous and unscripted!
Real Reaction
Delicious Treats
Everyone like chocolate-covered raisins, right? But someone may have had their fill of the delectable delicacy because Mel Brooks has an endless supply! He claimed in an interview with Playboy magazine that after mentioning them in the film, the candy business continued to send him goodies. “We mentioned Raisinets in Blazing Saddles and now the company sends me a gross of them every month. A gross of Raisinets!”
Delicious Treats
Real Reason
Nowadays, when we view the controversial and funny farting sequence, it appears to be just another flatulent gross-out movie joke added for comedy effect. But, in reality, Mel Brooks intended this to be a genuine critique of true Western films, mocking the fact that cowboys always seem to drink coffee and eat beans. A diet like this must have resulted in some extremely gassy gunslingers!
Real Reason
Word Worries
Of course, the most contentious aspect of the film is the usage of the N-word, which is even more taboo today than it was in the 1970s. Brooks stated that the Black cast members were not offended by the phrase, and that the majority of the complaints came from white individuals. However, he admitted that if he remade the picture today, he would have to remove all occurrences of the problematic word.
Word Worries
Director Drop-Out
Dom DeLuise, who plays the director of the film-within-a-film The French Mistake, is another fan favorite on the show. But did you know he wasn’t the original first pick for the role? That’s correct! DeLuise claimed that the role was originally intended for popular comedy performer Peter Sellers, but they chose DeLuise instead after a four-hour audition. Today, we can’t fathom anyone other than him performing the role!
Director Drop Out
Surprise Hit
Perhaps because of the controversial nature or the lack of laughs at the first screening, the film’s producers did not expect Blazing Saddles to be a major success. Even though they agreed to release it, they did so in February, one of the least popular months for movies. In fact, Blazing Saddles is one of the only films in history to have debuted in February and yet reached number one at the box office! It held the record for a whopping 44 years, until Black Panther was released in 2018.
Surprise Hit
Boorish Boris
The executioner is one of Blazing Saddles’ most famous and humorous characters. But have you ever wondered where the concept for the name came from? The fact is that he was named after Boris Karloff, notably his character Mord from the 1939 classic The Tower of London. Mord was a royal assassin hired to eliminate any of Richard III’s opponents and maintain him on the throne.
Boorish Boris
Modern Moments
While the film mostly pays homage to classic Westerns, it also makes infrequent references to modern pop culture staples. Or at least, what was considered modern in the 1970s! For example, when Bart cites “the orange roof on Howard Johnson’s outhouse,” he’s making a subtle reference to the modern restaurant chain, which has a distinctive orange roof on each of its buildings.
Modern Moments
Secret Scenes
Even though Brooks refused to remove any scenes, he went about it in a sly way. It was entirely his decision whether pieces to remove or keep, but he still received a lot of feedback from WB executives. So the fact was that Brooks lied to the WB, telling them he was going to cut out some of the problematic moments, but then he kept them in!
Secret Scenes