It’s 45 years old, and it couldn’t be made today.
We rewatched it a few weeks ago, and it is kind of amazing how politically incorrect it was.
It’s 45 years old, and it couldn’t be made today.
We rewatched it a few weeks ago, and it is kind of amazing how politically incorrect it was.
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What a hilarious movie. Could not be made today, that is certain. I have an absolutely hilarious true story of an encounter with Cleavon Little that I probably can’t share in public…
Back in the late 70’s Cleavon was the main entertainment for a student event at the U of Idaho, and one of my best friends retrieved him from the airport and brought him to campus. As they arrived and were making their way to the auditorium they ran into an older female professor who was totally star struck running into him right there on the sidewalk. She gasped and pointed, completely forgot his name, said “you’re……you’re…..you’re that n********!!!” Cleavon about fell over laughing at her flustered remark, gave her a big hug and exclaimed “Yes, ma’am, I am!”
Back in 1969 our next door neighbor was Slim Pickens. I don’t have any direct memories of the guy though, as I was less than a year old, and we only lived there for six months. At the time, Midnapore Alberta was several miles south of Calgary and was all acreages and farms; today Calgary extends about ten miles further south of where we lived.
None of the comedies from the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s could be made today. The comedies that do get made do have some politically incorrect jokes and themes but they always pay their dues to the SJW’s to get let off the hook.
That movie did more to improve race relations than just about any other. We watched it as well (we do periodically), and find it more enjoyable each time.
And you are right, it could not be made today.
I own a digital copy. I wouldn’t want it remade. It is perfect as is. But those who couldn’t bare watch it really don’t understand how remarkable a movie it really is. As MfK notes, it did a lot to improve race relations by mocking racists. But it has the N word, Hitler, and the Klan; so frankly, I’m surprised it hasn’t magically disappeared from my digital collection. Then again, I didn’t buy it from Apple or Amazon.
That movie could barely be made back then.
What’s really amazing is the Black Bart tv pilot–not nearly as good, but wow. They had to be on serious drugs to think that that could ever air.
One other thing about this amazing movie: Mel Brooks wrote all of the music, including “I’m Tired,” which he later characterized as “the dirtiest song I’ve ever written.” He wrote most of the music for all of his movies, even the “Producers.” My wife, a pianist and harpist, was suitably impressed.
“…and Methodists!”
I watched this myself about a month ago, having not watched it for many years. So, SO funny. 🙂