Last night, BBC4 aired Mel Brooks's famous satire Blazing Saddles uncut, in its entirety.
The 1974 film - which tells the story of what happens when an African-American man named Bart (played by Cleavon Little) becomes a sheriff in a town full of racists in the Old West - has unexpectedly become a debating point in the ongoing 'culture war' between people on the left and right. There are people on the right who seem to think today's audiences would find the film's portrayal of race offensive. The film's racist characters use the N word liberally and many people are convinced the film could not be made today.
It's worth reminding readers again that this film is a satire of race relations in America.
The debate on Blazing Saddles is being pitched as a battle between woke and anti-woke brigade, but in truth it's a debate between people with intelligence and numpties. Anyone familiar with the films of Mel Brooks, and anyone who's read any articles about the movie, or anyone watching the movie with an element of cop-on (Richard Pryor is credited as a screenwriter), will know it's a satire. However, in recent years, people on the right have tried to claim Blazing Saddles - either through mischievousness or stupidity - as a free speech masterpiece.
Piers Morgan captured this ignorance in a tweet a few weeks ago.
Oh God, can you imagine the woke brigade trying to sit through that comedic masterpiece? They'd be so offended they'd self-implode. https://t.co/MKIZVVsMfI
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) June 16, 2021
The film was rapturously received on social media last night. Hopefully the uncut airing of the film last night will have reminded viewers once and for all that Blazing Saddles takes aim at racists.
I see anti-woke tweeters are owning 'woke lefties' by watching Blazing Saddles, which is a satire of racism, written by this guy. pic.twitter.com/rqCeQebnmC
— Richard Littler (@richard_littler) June 24, 2021
Interestingly, when the film airs on HBO Max in the US, it is accompanied by a video message that contexualises the racist words delivered by members of the cast. The racism, presenter Jacqueline Stewart explains, is "explicitly stated by characters portrayed as narrow minded, ignorant bigots.” She adds the film "is as provocative today as it was when it premiered back in 1974.”
SEE ALSO: Netflix Release Trailer For Sophie Toscan Du Plantier Murder Documentary
