When Mel Brooks’ classic 1974 film Blazing Saddles rode back into theaters nationwide for its 50th Anniversary in September 2024 as part of Fathom Events’ Big Screen Classics series, it allowed audiences to once again appreciate it for its brilliance, as evidenced by its near-countless number of memorable scenes.

Ribald, tasteless, and hilarious… Brooks’ spoof of the Western genre pokes fun at everyone and everything. Together with his nefarious railroad baron-backer Hedley Lamarr (Harvey Korman), a corrupt governor (Brooks) cooks up a scheme to grant a reprieve to an African American convict (Cleavon Little), on the condition that the condemned man agrees to serve as sheriff of a small Western town—with the intent that the newly minted lawman will only live long enough to serve the needs of the governor and his seedy benefactor.

Let’s celebrate the landmark film’s timeless humor and enduring legacy as one of the greatest comedies of all time with some classic scenes.

The legendary campfire scene…

And the film’s big production number, a reminder of Brooks’ love of musical theater…

Blazing Saddles was originally released on February 7, 1974. It has earned a reported $119.6 million at the box-office, with a budget of $2.6 million. The acclaimed comedy, with a 89% positive rating at Rotten Tomatoes, also stars Gene Wilder, Slim Pickens, Madeline Kahn, Dom DeLuise, Alex Karras, Count Basie, and David Huddleston, and earned three Academy Award® nominations including Best Supporting Actress for Kahn, and Best Original Song for the titular theme.

The film is available to stream or for purchase in the U.S. here and in the U.K. here.