Mel Brooks' 'Blazing Saddles' Ruined By Initial Critical Reception

Mel Brooks' Blazing Saddles is a comedy classic, but when it was released in 1974, it was hardly the masterpiece we know today. Back then, it was a Western parody that seemed to make light of serious issues like racial prejudice. Movie executives thought it was a disaster and suggested shelving it forever.

But Brooks had an ace up his sleeve: his contract gave him final cut say, and he refused to budge. Instead, the film was released in select cities as a test to see how audiences would receive it. The result was a critical flop, but audiences were in stitches.

Today, Blazing Saddles is revered for its clever satire and clever handling of serious issues. It managed to turn stereotypes on their heads by using absurd humor to let audiences laugh at the absurdity of racism.

It's amazing how some movies need time to be seen for their true value.

What do you think about the film? Was it a laughing masterpiece, or a blunder?

Let us know your thoughts!