Jan 15, 16 & 17
In a few short years, Mel Brooks built a following that made his name alone enough to sell tickets. For three days only, We’re proud to present Blazing Saddles (A Mel Brooks Film), Young Frankenstein (A Mel Brooks Film), and Spaceballs (A Mel Brooks Film).
The tumultuous writer’s room for Blazing Saddles included everyone from Brooks himself to Richard Pryor (who was briefly attached to star). A sign on the wall gave a simple edict: “Do not write a polite script”. There’s little doubt they succeeded. Nothing is sacred as Brooks’ satire lambasts the idiocy of racism, and the tired tropes of the classic American western.
Monday (1/15) - 4:50
Tuesday (1/16) - 7:00
Young Frankenstein was released the same year as Blazing Saddles, but it shows a very different side of Mel Brooks and co-writer/star Gene Wilder. Young Frankenstein shows an obvious affection for the horror classics it lampoons and does so with a visual flair uncommon for Brooks’ work. The end result is a satire/homage that still packs in the jokes, but with a polish and heart that Brooks would never top. For a certain kind of Brooks fan, this is as good as it gets.
Monday (1/15) - 7:00
Wednesday (1/17) - 4:40
In Spaceballs, Mel Brooks set out with a simple mission: riff on Star Wars and pack in as many jokes as possible. Every scene of Spaceballs has a punchline, a couple side gags, and a few visual puns in the background. It’s a quantity-over-quality style of comedy that can fall flat in the wrong hands, but Brooks and his admirably committed cast make every ridiculous second work.
Tuesday (1/16) - 4:40
Wednesday (1/17) - 7:00