The Sherrif is a

OLDSKOOL MOVIE OF THE WEEK 



Blazing Saddles is a 1974 movie directed by Mel Brooks who also co-wrote the movie along with Richard Pryror. The movie has been classified "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" by the Library of Congress. The movie starred Cleavon Little,Gene Wilder, Harvey Korman and Mel Brooks.

  The movie’s plot is a former rail worker Bart (Little) while heading to the hangman's noose is give the job of sheriff in Rock Ridge. Coming to town on horseback with a Gucci saddle bag to Count Basie's orchestra Bart feels he has made it. Needless to say the townsfolk whom all seem to have same last name are not too keen on a "N*** Sheriff" Bart enlists the help of a fresh from the bottle Waco Kid (Wilder) to try to stop the plan of Hedley Lamar (Korman) and the not too bright Gov. Le Petomane (Brooks) In between the slapstick comedy there is a message on race relations that even today some still can’t seem understand. There are many standout cameos in this movie Madeline Kahn, Alex Karras and Dom DeLuise. 

  The movie is known for its mostly comic portrayals of racial stereotypes and the absurdity of racial superiority. Mel Brooks really wanted Richard Pryor to play sheriff Bart however, Warner Brothers would not ok that as Pryor at that point had an a reputation as being let's just say "unreliable". Another sticking point was the use of the "N word" which is uttered many times in the movie. Brooks later stated that both Pryor and Little both approved of the usage as to bring realness to the times being depicted in the movie. Also Mel Brooks wanted to push the envelope Warner Brothers tried to get him to make many changes. Mel declined to most of the requests but did relent and take one scene out: 

While trying to seduce Bart, Lili von Shtupp begins sucking on Bart’s arm in the dark and Bart says " I hate to disappoint you, ma'am, but you're sucking my arm"

Some of the more iconic scenes are when The Waco Kid and Bart try to get a closer look at the army that Hedley is building, and the scene showing new sheriff taking a morning walk.

 Mel Brooks had reached out to John Wayne to do a cameo but the western movie icon stated after reading the script "I can't be in that movie but I will be the first to see it" This movie for a host of reasons couldn't be made today. That doesn’t take away from the fact that on Feb 7th 2014 it would be the 40th anniversary of one of the most iconic movies ever made. Keep It Oldskool