Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein are two of the best comedies ever made but the merits of Mel's other movies will definitely start some arguments. I've always had a soft spot for High Anxiety as it features Mel's spot-on Sinatra impression, as well as Madeline Kahn. Can't get enough of her.

The Town That Dreaded Sundown features Dawn Wells being shot in the face.
I still haven't recovered from seeing Mary Ann go through that sort of hell.
If it had been Ginger I wouldn't have minded so much.

The Town That Dreaded Sundown features Dawn Wells being shot in the face.
I still haven't recovered from seeing Mary Ann go through that sort of hell.
If it had been Ginger I wouldn't have minded so much.

Hmmm… I don't trust beardo. I can't explain it, there's just something shifty about him.

Hmmm… I don't trust beardo. I can't explain it, there's just something shifty about him.

Non Prog Rock (unless Zappa counts).

Non Prog Rock (unless Zappa counts).

"Waterworld cancelled after three dolphins killed."

"Waterworld cancelled after three dolphins killed."

And chocolate sauce.

And chocolate sauce.

Sam began filming in B&W, aiming for a gritty slice of Depression era realism. The producer, Marty Ransohoff, fired him for alledgedly taking all day filming a 'nude' scene. Which was ironic considering Ransohoff had drummed up a lot of publicity for his previous film ( The Americanization of Emily ) on the basis of,…

Sam began filming in B&W, aiming for a gritty slice of Depression era realism. The producer, Marty Ransohoff, fired him for alledgedly taking all day filming a 'nude' scene. Which was ironic considering Ransohoff had drummed up a lot of publicity for his previous film ( The Americanization of Emily ) on the basis of,…

That maybe all well and good but it works dramatically. Don't you get a shiver up your spine when Edward G. turns over that final card?

That maybe all well and good but it works dramatically. Don't you get a shiver up your spine when Edward G. turns over that final card?

Jewison was a big Ray Charles fan, understandably.

Jewison was a big Ray Charles fan, understandably.

Edward G's final line to McQueen is classic:
" You're good kid but as long as I'm around you're second best."

Edward G's final line to McQueen is classic:
" You're good kid but as long as I'm around you're second best."

Two of my all-time faves! Panic also features Barbara Bel Geddes making the most in the thankless role as the loyal supporting wife. And truly great location work. Kazan always thought that was his first real movie, as opposed to filmed play. Although Boomerang also had some nice location shooting.