MovieChat Forums > Blazing Saddles (1974) Discussion > Who saw it in 1974? What did you think ...

Who saw it in 1974? What did you think then?

posted 11 years ago by desierra2003
32 replies | jump to latest

I was 15 in 1974 and saw this movie with my parents and 14 years old brother. We all loved it and laughed like crazy. My Dad is a fan of westerns but I'm sure this was like nothing he had seen before or was even expecting. I remember the theater was full as it was probably a Saturday. The whole audience seemed to be enjoying it. I'll admit my brother and I preferred Young Frankenstein when it came out a year or so later. We're bigger fans of horror movies, even now after 40 years. One thing is certain, BS and YF set the tone for my love of comedies.

[–] pjmcgill142 11 years ago

I remember seeing it at the theatre and it was a really funny movie. But being 16 at the time, I think I was more impressed with the beans scene more than anything. As the years have gone by, I have found this movie like a fine wine. It just gets better with every viewing.

I love YF too, but BS is a little better for my mind. But then again... Gene Wilder is so good in both. His slightly stressed out Dr Frankenstein does hit all the marks. And I can't imagine anyone else playing the Waco Kid.

[–] bobby95 10 years ago

It's only set in the West. The dialog is fully 1974.

"Where's my froggie?"

[–] rek16803 10 years ago

I first saw it in 1980 at a theater that re ran old popular films. Never saw it again on the big screen till this past summer and it brought back so many memories of what a really funny film on the big screen should be like.

[–] slrussell1908 9 years ago

Same here we were station in Germany and the movie theatre would show old popular movies I laughed so hard my head/stomach hurt & that has never happen again. Oh how I miss movies like this.

I love Pink & Green.......

[–] stevenackerman69 10 years ago

I didn't see it then, but I wonder if people who did see it after the film said THE END all stood up and applauded and whistled this masterpiece.

[–] carrie7 10 years ago

I saw it - and Young Frankenstein - upon first release and, yes, it was HILARIOUS. I remember my parents pissing themselves at laughing so hard as well.

[–] ronaldt49 10 years ago

OP I modified your heading slightly. Think it makes for more interesting discussions. If you agree please modify your original heading. If you don't it's not a problem.

Thanks.

I saw this in the 70s on HBO and did enjoy it at the time. Being a guy the Campfire scene was something we guys can relate to. Even the language didn't bother me and was considered humorous.

41 years later the effect is not the same. Some of the humor had the same effect, but not as funny as many years ago. Hearing the "N" word thrown around even when it was big part of the plot because "The Sheriff is a N....." was repeated way too many times. I've enjoyed Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock humor even when it is filled with the word, but this viewing of BS just did not feel right. Maybe my future taste in comedy may change. We'll wait and see!

No, I'm not a Liberal, just Independent in my thinking.

[–] justanicknamed 10 years ago

I'm the other way with the "N" word.

The movie was set in the 1800's when the word was more acceptable than the word "toilet." To be bothered by it in that context, IMO, is like being bothered by the use of the "N" word in books like Huck Finn.

And I know Prior & Murphy were from a different era of comedians as well, but if there really is no place for the "N" word anymore, then there really is no place for the "N" word anymore. It needs to stop being used by everyone, especially blacks.

[–] ronaldt49 10 years ago

I've said that for many years.

[–] justanicknamed 10 years ago

You've actually said both things. That you are ok with current comics using the "N" word, but you didn't find it as funny when it was used 41 years ago.

[–] clearthinkernow 8 years ago

I was a young woman when this movie came out. I thought it was funny, irreverent and quite silly, just fun. I couldn't even tell you when I first heard the "n" word, probably Richard Pryor. It is far more said today (by the long shot) by black people (the very people who pretend they are harmed by it), but it wasn't acceptable then and surely isn't now. It was "funny" in this movie because they were so casual with it and it was quite overdone. Most of us hadn't heard it said outloud before.

[–] MissMargoChanning 9 years ago

41 years later the effect is not the same. Some of the humor had the same effect, but not as funny as many years ago. Hearing the "N" word thrown around even when it was big part of the plot because "The Sheriff is a N....." was repeated way too many times.

And now the PC Police arrives! I am so sick of you over sensitive fools!
If you were paying any attention to this film you would be able to understand the whole point of the story. It made fun of the racists and bigots!
Why can't people listen to what people are saying instead of griping about the way they are saying it?

Give it a rest already. This film was and still is great...... "N-WORD" and all....... 
Did you count the number of times the N-word was uttered? You didn't when you first saw this but now that it is no longer PC, you gripe about it!

EDIT:

OP I modified your heading slightly. Think it makes for more interesting discussions. If you agree please modify your original heading. If you don't it's not a problem

You took it upon yourself to "MODIFY"??????
WOW! That's another reason that I do not like you.
Do you burn books as well?

"Fasten your seatbelts. It's going to be a bumpy night"

[–] rushnut 10 years ago

I saw it in the theater when it came out, and I loved it. I still watch it when it is on a commercial-free and un-cut network, and it still makes me laugh out loud.

[–] DaytonaBob 10 years ago

My good friend and I went to see it and it was so funny we were laughing all the way home.

They who give up liberty to
obtain a temporary safety deserve
neither liberty or safety

[–] coldnaps 10 years ago

Saw it 3X in 74, and every time, the whole audience was in hysterics.