Hey, Where the White Women at?

Blazing Saddles, written by Mel Brooks and Richard Pryor in 1974, is a spoof of the Western genre. It mocks prejudice. It mocks Hollywood. And when you walk away from this film, you're left with a very clear message: Cowboys plus beans equals hilarious. Number six on the American Film...

By Alice Laussade

August 31, 2006

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Blazing Saddles, written by Mel Brooks and Richard Pryor in 1974, is a spoof of the Western genre. It mocks prejudice. It mocks Hollywood. And when you walk away from this film, you're left with a very clear message: Cowboys plus beans equals hilarious. Number six on the American Film Institute's list of funniest American films and the all-time highest-grossing Western until 1990 (when Dances With Wolves and its seven Oscars came along), Blazing Saddles features Cleavon Little as Sheriff Bart, Gene Wilder's signature Brillo Pad hair, an Academy Award-nominated performance by Madeline Kahn as Dietrich-esque songstress/seductress Lili Von Shtupp, a cowboy named Mongo (played by Alex "Aren't you George Papadapolis from Webster? Yeah, I totally am." Karras) and enough off-color humor and gags to offend every member of the audience individually. The words "sophomoric," "low brow" and "raunchy" come to mind. Also see: "rule-breaking" and "brilliant." This film is arguably Mel Brooks' greatest work as an Indian chief. Blazing Saddles screens at the Inwood Theatre, 5458 W. Lovers Lane, at midnight Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $8. Call 214-764-9106 or visit landmarktheatres.com.
Sept. 1-2

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Alice Laussade writes about food, kids, music, and anything else she finds to be completely ridiculous. She created and hosts the Dallas event, Meat Fight, which is a barbecue competition and fundraiser that benefits the National MS Society. Last year, the event raised $100,000 for people living with MS, and 750 people could be seen shoving sausage links into their faces. And one time, she won a James Beard Award for Humor in Writing. That was pretty cool.

Contact: Alice Laussade