Back in 1974, Warner Brothers made a film that is one of the most hilarious movies in history. It made huge waves when it came out and continues to have an impact even today. Here are some things you might not know about Blazing Saddles.
Mel Brooks’ Agenda
Mel Brooks’ son Max was born around the time the star took on Blazing Saddles. Because Brooks had been short on cash, he felt pressured to make the film work. Despite the fact that he didn’t want to become a sell out, Brooks said he felt as if he were Charles Dickens taking on a project only for the money.
Madeline Kahn Was Fired
Madeline Kahn had already been cast in the movie adaptation of Mame before the filming of Blazing Saddles began. Originally a Broadway musical, Mame was adapted for the screen and starred Lucille Ball and Bea Arthur. Just one day prior to Kahn’s work on Blazing Saddles started, she was fired from Mame. According to Ball, Kahn gave a bad performance because she wanted to get fired and focus on playing her character Lili von Shtupp in Blazing Saddles.