Posted on 09/20/2017 9:30:44 PM PDT by Sub-Driver
Mel Brooks: Blazing Saddles would 'never' be made today
By Rebecca Jones Arts correspondent, BBC News
14 minutes ago From the section Entertainment & Arts
Mel Brooks, one of Hollywood's funniest film-makers, has told the BBC political correctness is "the death of comedy".
He said Blazing Saddles, his Western spoof about a black sheriff in a racist town, could "never" be made today.
"It's OK not to hurt the feelings of various tribes and groups," he said. "However it's not good for comedy.
"Comedy has to walk a thin line, take risks. It's the lecherous little elf whispering in the king's ear, telling the truth about human behaviour."
Brooks made his name with a series of successful film comedies, including Blazing Saddles, The Producers and Young Frankenstein.
Among the subjects he has satirised are racism, religion and feminism - and he describes himself as "the king of vulgarity".
But there is one subject he insists he would not parody.
Referring to World War Two, he said: "I personally would never touch gas chambers or the death of children or Jews at the hands of the Nazis.
"In no way is that at all useable or correct for comedy. It's just in truly bad taste."
However, he says that is the "only thing" he would avoid. "Everything else is OK."
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.com ...
Could the family sitcoms of the ‘50s and ‘60s be made today? Nowadays sitcoms seemingly require smart ass kids and homosexuals.
Could a hard hitting show such as “All In The Family” with Archie Bunker and meathead be made today?
heck, I never see “All in the Family” in reruns on any channel nowadays. Is it being censored, similar to how Disney has censored their own “Song of the South” movie??
Don’t get saucy with me Bearnaise.
I missed that one lol!!
“I never see “All in the Family” in reruns on any channel nowadays.”
Check antennatv.tv and see if it’s in your area...they show it every day of the week. I never miss it if i have the opportunity!
Black Bart for one.........his friends on the chain gang for several more..........;)
“never see “All in the Family” in reruns on any channel nowadays. Is it being censored”
It’s on daily.
It doesn’t hold up that well.
De Camptown Ladies?...
;)
Could a hard hitting show such as “All In The Family” with Archie Bunker and meathead be made today?
It was the same feeling Oliver Stone got, I imagine, when his caricature of businessmen personified in Gordon Gecko’s “Greed is good,” resonated with rather than horrified audiences.
Lear said Archie was based on his dad!
Richard Pryor co-wrote “Blazing Saddles.”
I would imagine he INSISTED “the N word” be bandied about.
A different, freer time, when people of all races, colors and creeds had a sense of humor about themselves and others.
I see movies all the time with the n word.
Wasn’t the entire show model after a Brit comedy?
Sounds like Lear was trying to get back at his father by modeling Archie on him.
Quentin Tarantino lards his movies up with “nigger this” and “nigger that” - and gets away with it.
“Father Knows Best”
Yes. Till Death Do Us Part.
Sanford and Son was based on Steptoe and Son.
Three’s Company was based on Man About the House.
The current Shameless series is based on a Brit show that is even more depraved. LOL
Yes......dem Camptown Ladies......do-dar, do-dar......LOL
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.