(Jewish Group) Was 'Blazing Saddles' better than 'Young Frankenstein?'

[Behind the Aegis]

Was ‘Blazing Saddles’ better than ‘Young Frankenstein?’ — an exclusive Forward investigation

For many of us, especially those who grew up in the 1960s and 70s, Mel Brooks has always been something of an extended family member, the hilarious uncle we madly adore even though he never actually shows up for our weddings, seders or any other festive occasions.

Indeed, nothing sent a jolt of electricity through my childhood households quite like the phrase “new Mel Brooks movie.” This wasn’t just another entertainment option — this was an event, a rare visit from Uncle Mel that was sure to put a smile on your face and leave you quoting his latest jokes for weeks or even years to come. (Yes, my dad took me to see “Blazing Saddles” when I was seven, and yes that probably explains a lot about who I turned out to be. But I digress…)

I felt a brief flash of that old excitement last week, when word hit the streets that the 95-year-old comedy legend had inked a deal with Hulu to co-write and executive produce at least eight episodes of a new variety series called “History of the World, Part II,” based upon his 1981 film of (almost) the same name. But that initial buzz quickly dissipated once I remembered that, well, “History of the World, Part I” was actually pretty uneven — and that, by the time of his 90s films, Uncle Mel’s shtick was unfortunately wearing as thin as a cheap shmatta.

Still, I’m really hoping for (and wishing Uncle Mel) the best with his new series, because if there’s one thing this awful world could use, it’s a good dose of Mel Brooks-inspired silliness. And while we’re waiting for it to hit the small screen, let’s look back over the 11 films he wrote and directed, and rank ‘em from worst to best.

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I love "History of the World, Part I" and "Blazing Saddles" as my all-time faves, though I will often just watch one of his movies when I have a had a bad day because they make me laugh. He has an autobiography out as well, and is worth the read!

Happy Birthday, Mel!

[Thomas Hurt]

1. I don't remember seeing Blazing Saddles in the theater.

I remember going to Young Frankenstein and leaving out of breath and in tears. Honestly it was funniest movie I have seen in my life.

Close second goes to A Fish Called Wanda.

[luvs2sing]

2. Young Frankenstein is still..

the funniest movie I’ve ever seen. Nothing else comes close.

[Ferrets are Cool]

3. I believe YF was the better movie.

But dayum, it's difficult to grade them. 1A/1B

[qazplm135]

4. completely different genres of comedy

one is goofy silly fun, one is hard satire.

Hard to compare them this way IMO.

[leighbythesea2]

5. Young Frankenstein

But my husband would say Blazing Saddles.

[Karadeniz]

6. YF!!!!!

[Deep State Witch]

7. Tough Choice

They're two of my favorite movies. BS has the extra added racial commentary that YF does. So, in my book, that makes it the better movie.

[Best_man23]

8. Both are equally good in my eye

Its not easy to beat an evening with pizza, bottle of wine, and a double comedy feature of Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein.