Whatever you think about the great American Western you must admit it is a genre ripe for parody... thankfully for all western fans Mel Brooks had just that idea when he made his second film (the first being The Producers). This is one of his BEST films, and the one that made him well-known...but I digress
This is a comedy western (so it's o.k. to laugh...if you don't, you're probably dead or don't have a sense of humor), parodying the western genre: the racisim, the blatant line between good and evil, etc. Hedley Lamarr (Korman), not to be confused with actress Hedy Lamarr (it's a running joke) is the head of the railroad company. Due to quicksand his railroad has to move near the town of Rock Ridge, making the property values skyrocket. His orders his men, led by the incompetent Taggart (Pickens), to get rid of the town, but all they manage to do is piss off the local community (populated by the Johnson family...yes, another running joke). The citizens of Rock Ridge petition the moron governor (Brooks) for a new sheriff, but Hedley intervenes and decides to appoint a black sheriff to make the people so mad they will just leave. He appoints a former railroad worker,Bart (Little), saving him from being hung, and sends him to the unsuspecting town. Bart is joined by the town drunk Jim (Wilder), who used to be the fastest gunslinger: the Waco Kid. Not wanting anything to upset his plan, Hedley also seeks the help of Lili Von Shtupp (Kahn), the headliner at the local saloon, to love and leave the sheriff, but of course the plan backfires.
Speaking of backfiring, this film has the famous baked bean scene (you've probably seen it parodied, or heard about it)...along with other classic moments and characters. While some may see this film as racist, realize that the black characters are the intelligent ones...AND Brooks mocks every race, creed, gender, etc so no one is left out (including a few slams at the Jews, and he is Jewish). There is the trademark mockery of the Nazis...
Yes it's inappropriate. Yes it's politically incorrect. Yes it's tasteless (at times)...but you'll certainly enjoy the ride. Madeline Kahn channels Marlena Dietrich, and Harvey Korman drags the name Hedy Lamarr through the streets. Also, the character of Gabby Johnson (Jack Starrett) is based on the gibberish talking old man found in films like Rio Bravo and other westerns. You really have to pay attention to completely appreciate the humor (there are some subtle lines you miss the first few times you watch). John Wayne declined a role in this film, but said he'd be the first in line to see it...and if the Duke wanted to see it, you should too!!
Dude it's quotable: may not always be appropriate (especially out of context), but when you sit around with your friends later this is a great film to quote
Buy it!!: heck, that says it all. Everyone should own at least one Brooks film (I'd suggest The Producers, Blazing Saddles, or Young Frankenstein, or you could be like me and own all three!)
Rating: R
Director: Mel Brooks
Starring: Cleavon Little as Bart
Gene Wilder as Jim (The Waco Kid)
Harvey Korman as Hedley Lamarr
Slim Pickens as Taggart
Mel Brooks as Gov William J. LePetomaine, the Indian Chief (and bit parts)
Madeline Kahn as Lili Von Shtupp
1 comments:
First time I saw this I laughed till I cried the whole way though. saw it some years later and dint laugh at all. Now what to make of that??????
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