[21twelve]

Mel Brooks got his start in the Catskills. He tells the story of how he started using the “third wall”(?) that he used in his various movies - like the big brawl in Blazing Saddles where they ended up in the cafeteria and the Broadway show.

He was a waiter as a very young kid in the Catskills, but also the backup for some guy in the play. The guy got sick so Mel puts on a suit and a beard to play the part.

The crowd gives him a tough time. He pulls down his beard and says something like “What dah ya want? I’m twelve!”

They all laughed and he continued the role.

[Daffynition]

It was even fondly referred to as 'the Jewish Alps.'

Photos of once lovely resorts captured by Marisa Scheinfeld