# Is Blazing Saddles the funniest movie ever made? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [August 2, 2005, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-blazing-saddles-the-funniest-movie-ever-made/315254 "2005-08-02T03:23:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![Askia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/96bed5/32.png) [@Askia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Askia)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2005, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-blazing-saddles-the-funniest-movie-ever-made/315254/121 "2005-08-04T05:18:00Z")
> [@Bomzaway](#): > > Hey! I was looking at the “memorable quotes” section in the IMDb and found these quotes. I don’t think they’re memorable at all. In fact, I don’t think I EVER saw these scenes! :eek: > > They look like alternatives to the “Candygram for Mongo” scene. Clearly you didn’t watch BLAZING SADDLES when it came on TV in the 70s and 80s, because these scenes would routinely be aired. In fact, my only complaint about the VHS copy I have is that it’s missing those two crucial scenes, which I thought were hilarious as a kid. They’re all really terrific pastiches of Bugs Bunny/Warner Brothers lunacy cartoons, including explosions, quick change disguises, idiotic signs idiots fall for and soaring WB background music. ---
**Author:** ![Marlitharn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/779978/32.png) [@Marlitharn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marlitharn)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2005, 7:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-blazing-saddles-the-funniest-movie-ever-made/315254/122 "2005-08-04T07:37:27Z")
I have the DVD, and I’ve NEVER seen these scenes! Another scene that I know is missing from my copy is the one where Bart and the Kid are running away from the mob in their white robes, and they escape by blending in with the folks having a baptism thingy at the river. And I need to post one of my favorite quotes from _Dr. Strangelove_: “You can’t let him in here! He’ll…he’ll see the big board!” And one more: “You’re gonna have to answer to the Coca-Cola company!” ---
**Author:** ![Hypno-Toad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b2d939/32.png) [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2005, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-blazing-saddles-the-funniest-movie-ever-made/315254/123 "2005-08-04T12:42:54Z")
One quote that seems to have disappeared is from Dr. Strangelove when Group Captain Lionel Mandrake is captured and his captor introduces himself as “[long and highly improbable rank] Bat Guano.” That little line is missing from my DVD of it and was not in the last few times I saw it on TV. I know the line existed and they have left in Mandrake mentioning the name, but the hilariously deadpan introduction itself has been inexplicably cut. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2005, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-blazing-saddles-the-funniest-movie-ever-made/315254/124 "2005-08-04T13:34:44Z")
> [@Hypno-Toad](#): > > One quote that seems to have disappeared is from Dr. Strangelove when Group Captain Lionel Mandrake is captured and his captor introduces himself as “[long and highly improbable rank] Bat Guano.” That little line is missing from my DVD of it and was not in the last few times I saw it on TV. I know the line existed and they have left in Mandrake mentioning the name, but the hilariously deadpan introduction itself has been inexplicably cut. Hmmm…I’ve seen the original theatrical print (in revival houses/festivals) several times and I don’t recall this line. I’m actually going to go see it tomorrow night (New Beverly Cinema, Hollywood) so I’ll pay attention for the line but methinks you’re imaging it. There is a scene near the end where Sellers is doing Dr. Strangelove–I believe he’s explaining to President Muffly (also Sellers) about the necessarialy well-endowed nature of women needed to permit men to do “prodigious service”–and the actor playing Soviet Ambassador DeSadesky starts to lose it; first, his mouth starts twitching, then he looks down, then he looks up and his whole face starts shaking while trying to stiffle laughter. George C. Scott’s pertinacious gum-chewing and his falling down while clutching classified binders (during the “I mean, he’ll see everything, he’ll… he’ll see the Big Board!” scene) were improvised, which was very unusual for the controlling, perfectionist Kubrick. It was definitely one of Scott’s finest performances. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_One](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/45deac/32.png) [@Evil\_One](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_One)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2005, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-blazing-saddles-the-funniest-movie-ever-made/315254/125 "2005-08-04T13:47:43Z")
Put me down as a fan of **BS** as well. I have always liked it, but it fell flat with my wife, who is signifigantly younger than I am. Some of my favorites are “the sheriff is near” scene, particularly this part: “What’d he say?” “He said the sheriff is near.” “No, ding dang ding blabbit!. I said the sheriff is a **DING**!.” And “What in the wide wide world a sports is a goin on here? I’m payin’ you boys to build a railroad, not jump around like a buncha Kansas City faggots!” ---
**Author:** ![BoringDad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ad7895/32.png) [@BoringDad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BoringDad)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2005, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-blazing-saddles-the-funniest-movie-ever-made/315254/126 "2005-08-04T16:54:35Z")
> [@Marlitharn](#): > > I have the DVD, and I’ve NEVER seen these scenes! Another scene that I know is missing from my copy is the one where Bart and the Kid are running away from the mob in their white robes, and they escape by blending in with the folks having a baptism thingy at the river. As **silenus** stated above, listen to the commentary. Mel Brooks explains about the mangling of the movie for TV release and the adding and deleting of these other scenes. ---
**Author:** ![Ignatz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/3be4f8/32.png) [@Ignatz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ignatz)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2005, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-blazing-saddles-the-funniest-movie-ever-made/315254/127 "2005-08-07T17:48:58Z")
> [@Labdad](#): > > I agree - not only is it not the funniest movie ever made, it’s not even the funniest Mel Brooks movie ever made. I laugh a lot at _Saddles_, but I laugh even more at _YF_. > > As for funniest movie, I think I’d have to go with something starring Peter Sellers, since I think he was the funniest man who ever lived. Either _The Pink Panther_ or _A Shot in the Dark_. Try “The Party”. ---
**Author:** ![Unauthorized\_Cinnamon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/bc8723/32.png) [@Unauthorized\_Cinnamon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unauthorized_Cinnamon)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2005, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-blazing-saddles-the-funniest-movie-ever-made/315254/128 "2005-08-08T00:01:03Z")
To the Honorable William J. LePetomaine, Governor . . . ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_One](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/45deac/32.png) [@Evil\_One](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_One)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2005, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-blazing-saddles-the-funniest-movie-ever-made/315254/129 "2005-08-08T12:21:46Z")
Try this. Walk up to a BS fan, tip your imaginary hat and say: “Mornin’ ma’am”. ---
**Author:** ![Ponder\_Stibbons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ponder_stibbons/32/343_2.png) [@Ponder\_Stibbons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponder_Stibbons)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2005, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-blazing-saddles-the-funniest-movie-ever-made/315254/130 "2005-08-08T14:24:04Z")
> [@Evil One](#): > > Try this. Walk up to a BS fan, tip your imaginary hat and say: > > “Mornin’ ma’am”. The problem is, I _know_ what the correct response is, but I just couldn’t bring myself to say it. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2005, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-blazing-saddles-the-funniest-movie-ever-made/315254/131 "2005-08-08T14:38:18Z")
I still prefer “The Big Lebowski”. Blazing Saddles is funny, though. Not in my top five funny movies, probably in the top ten. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2005, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-blazing-saddles-the-funniest-movie-ever-made/315254/132 "2005-08-08T15:05:21Z")
BS is damned good, no question. However, I prefer “The Big Lebowski,” “There’s Something About Mary,” “Airplane!”, “Spinal Tap,” “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” and “Life of Brian.” Some great lines from BS not yet mentioned in this thread - pardon me while I paraphrase: Lili von Shtupp (to a cowboy during her burlesque routine): “Is that a ten-gallon hat, or are you just enjoying the show?” Sheriff: “What do you want to do?” Gunslinger (thoughtfully): “Play chess. Fuck.” Sheriff: “Let’s play chess.” Governor: “This paddle is clearly defective.” Dancer (after Dom DeLuise is knocked out): “Get him, girls!” ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2005, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-blazing-saddles-the-funniest-movie-ever-made/315254/133 "2005-08-08T15:22:03Z")
> [@Marlitharn](#): > > I have the DVD, and I’ve NEVER seen these scenes! Another scene that I know is missing from my copy is the one where Bart and the Kid are running away from the mob in their white robes, and they escape by blending in with the folks having a baptism thingy at the river. Does your DVD have a Deleted Scenes section? ---
**Author:** ![Marlitharn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/779978/32.png) [@Marlitharn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marlitharn)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2005, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-blazing-saddles-the-funniest-movie-ever-made/315254/134 "2005-08-09T04:55:29Z")
> [@Lute Skywatcher](#): > > Does your DVD have a Deleted Scenes section? I don’t think so; I think I got the cheap version. One side of the disc is letterbox and the other side is fullscreen. I’ll have to check it when I get home. > [@AerynSun](#): > > [sub]To the Honorable William J. LePetomaine, Governor . . .[/sub] I can’t hear you! ---
**Author:** ![Unauthorized\_Cinnamon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/bc8723/32.png) [@Unauthorized\_Cinnamon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unauthorized_Cinnamon)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2005, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-blazing-saddles-the-funniest-movie-ever-made/315254/135 "2005-08-09T13:18:05Z")
I’m sorry I’m not used to public speaking We, the white, God-fearing citizens of Rock Ridge . . . The reaction of the crowd always cracks me up. Every time my husband or I is doing something like threading a needle, putting a belt through loops, and so on, the other will say, “Think of your secretary.” Another winner from that scene: Headly: Gentlemen, rest your sphincters. Gov.: Well put. I still think I like YF just a bit better. It is so clear that Mel had a love of those old movies, and a mastery of the techniques used in them. That technical expertise and clear affection is the perfect foundation for a parody. When we were planning an unmedicated labor, we decided we needed a password for me to use if I decided I truly, really did want some drugs. So we picked “Young Frankenstein,” after the “No matter what you hear . . .” scene. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Hypno-Toad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b2d939/32.png) [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2005, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-blazing-saddles-the-funniest-movie-ever-made/315254/136 "2005-08-09T14:29:43Z")
> [@Stranger On A Train](#): > > Hmmm…I’ve seen the original theatrical print (in revival houses/festivals) several times and I don’t recall this line. I’m actually going to go see it tomorrow night (New Beverly Cinema, Hollywood) so I’ll pay attention for the line but methinks you’re imaging it. For the life of me, I can remember it. Mandrake is in the office when the door lock is shot off and a tough guy with a rifle walks in. Mandrake asks, “Who the devil are you!?” And tough guy deadpans, “I’m Major Lieutenant-Colonel Bat Guano.” It wasn’t just the name that was funny, it was the way it follows the seriously delivered, pretensiously long rank. ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2005, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-blazing-saddles-the-funniest-movie-ever-made/315254/137 "2005-08-09T14:38:06Z")
Hee hee! This thread is active, and I just got a letter this morning from a Candygram company. “Candygram for Mongo! Candygram for Mongo!” “Me Mongo.” I would have to agree, though, that Young Frankenstein was funnier. ---
**Author:** ![Freudian\_Slip\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f475e1/32.png) [@Freudian\_Slip\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slip_1)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2006, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-blazing-saddles-the-funniest-movie-ever-made/315254/138 "2006-05-27T18:18:20Z")
> [@lisacurl](#): > > I’m pretty sure they’re doing the French _mystique_. Actually, no, the title of the song is the “French Mistake” [Cite](http://www.filmsite.org/blaz.html) There are so many good parts - hell, I’d have to type in the whole script 😃 In the French Mistake scene (which took me a while to catch): One of the dancers gets into a fight with one of the cowboys. They go through the corridor under the stairs. They walk out the other side, with the cowboy saying “I’m parked over near the commissary”. Priceless 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![mike1dog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@mike1dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mike1dog)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2006, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-blazing-saddles-the-funniest-movie-ever-made/315254/139 "2006-05-27T19:39:34Z")
I know it’s kind of dated now, but _The Party_ with Peter Sellers had me choking with laughter the first time I saw it. ---
**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2006, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-blazing-saddles-the-funniest-movie-ever-made/315254/140 "2006-05-27T20:09:49Z")
> [@mike1dog](#): > > I know it’s kind of dated now, but _The Party_ with Peter Sellers had me choking with laughter the first time I saw it. I’ll third it. I love this movie. This is SUCH an underrated comedy classic. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-blazing-saddles-the-funniest-movie-ever-made/315254.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-blazing-saddles-the-funniest-movie-ever-made/315254.md?page=8)