Mel Brooks’ beloved, controversial comedy classic Blazing Saddles rides back into theaters nationwide courtesy of Fathom Events and Warner Bros. later this month. In celebration of the groundbreaking comedy’s 50th anniversary, this Fathom Big Screen Classic also includes a special introduction by film critic and historian Leonard Maltin. Blazing Saddles will return to the big screen for a limited time on September 15 and September 18, and tickets are available for purchase now via the Fathom Events site.
Ribald, tasteless, and hilarious… Mel Brooks’ classic spoof of the Western genre pokes fun at everyone and everything. Together with his nefarious railroad baron-backer Hedley Lamarr (Harvey Korman), corrupt Governor Lepetomane (Brooks) cooks up a scheme to grant a reprieve to an African American convict (Cleavon Little), on the condition that the condemned man agrees to serve as sheriff of a small Western town – with the intent that the newly-minted lawman will only live long enough to serve the needs of the governor and his seedy benefactor.
The acclaimed comedy also stars Gene Wilder, Slim Pickens, Madeline Kahn, Dom DeLuise, Count Basie, and David Huddleston, and earned three Academy Award nominations including Best Supporting Actress for Kahn, and Best Original Song for the beloved titular theme.
Blazing Saddles Is Now Considered One of the Greatest Comedies of All Time
Now considered one of the greatest comedies ever made thanks to its daring and provocative humor, Blazing Saddles remains one of the best efforts in comedy maestro Mel Brooks’ repertoire. While the reaction to the movie at the time was a little mixed from critics, the comedy is now held up high as a masterful example of the genre. This is largely thanks to the cleverly constructed humor which masquerades as something far sillier and expertly pokes fun at and mocks everyone…with some unaware that they are even the ones being mocked.
Every Big Screen Classic presentation features an exclusive introduction by cinema historian Leonard Maltin, discussing the landmark film’s timeless humor and enduring legacy as one of the greatest comedies of all time.
One again, Blazing Saddles hits rides back into theaters nationwide in celebration of the movie’s 50th anniversary on Sunday, September 15 at 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm local time; and Wednesday, September 18 at 7:00 pm local time. Tickets for the event can be purchased at Fathom Events or at participating theater box offices. For a complete list of theater locations, visit the Fathom Events website (theater locations are subject to change). You can check out the a trailer for the event below.
