This film begins out west with a railroad line being built but because of quicksand directly in its path has to be rerouted through the small town of Rock Ridge. Realizing that he stands to make a fortune if he can acquire the rights to this town the corrupt attorney general by the name of "Headley Lamarr" (Harvey Corman) decides to send in some ruthless cowboys to chase all of the town's residents out. However, much to his chagrin, rather than leaving, the townspeople decide to hire a sheriff to defend their interests instead. That being said, upon learning of the townspeople's plan, he subsequently manipulates "Governor Lepetomane" (Mel Brooks) into hiring a black man named "Bart" (Cleavon Little) to the position figuring that they won't tolerate someone who isn't white. What he doesn't count on, however, is just how clever and resourceful Sheriff Bart becomes once he actually pins on his badge. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was a good comedy which benefited from several fine performances with Madeline Kahn (as "Lili Von Shtupp") probably standing out the most. I also liked Robyn Hilton (as the governor's secretary "Miss Stein") for a completely different reason. On the flip side, however, I must admit that a good part of the humor was rather crude and some viewers might take great offense at some of the off-color jokes and stereotypes. Be that as it may, although this film definitely had its faults, I still found it to be quite humorous and I have rated it accordingly. Above average.
Review of Blazing Saddles
