On August 29th, 2016, the world lost an entertainment icon. One of the greatest comedic talents in film and on stage was taken from the living. A man who could entertain any group of people in any time period. His talent in his writing was equally as perfect as his verbal delivery of any given line. From his debut in 1961 to his final television appearance in 2003, his impact would be felt forever in film, television and stage. I am speaking, of course, of the incomparible genius that is Mr. Gene Wilder.
There are many who when they hear his name, they think of one role. A role that would engrave his image into the hearts of children and adults alike. While
The Producers would be one of Wilder's great performances, it would be his title role in
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory that would skyrocket him into celebrity status. No one can deny the charisma and charm that Wilder exuded in his role as the eccentric but lovable Willy Wonka, the owner of the prestigious chocolate factory that was shrouded in secrecy. There is no denying the legendary classic that is the story of Charlie and his meeting with Mr. Wonka. It is one of this films you either own or, when it appears on television, you leave the remote untouched until the end credits roll. However, for this writer, when thinking of Gene Wilder, it is not Wonka that first comes to mind. Instead, it is two other films. Two films released in one year. The year is 1974 and the two films that this writer feels captures the essence of Wilder, the genius of both his writing and performing, are none other than the Mel Brooks classics
Blazing Saddles and
Young Frankenstein.
Blazing Saddles (1974)
With Mel Brooks writing the screenplay with Richard Pryor, one can only imagine the type of comedy that was about to hit theaters back in February of '74. Spoofing the genre of films taking place in the Old West,
Blazing Saddles is the story of an evil politician (Harvey Korman) who, in order to make room for his railroad, decides to drive the people of Rock Ridge out of their town by offending them in the only way possible: having one of his black railroad workers, Bart, be assigned as Sheriff of Rock Ridge. Knowing the odds are not in his favor, Bart (played by the unforgettable Cleavon Little) seeks the assistance of the fastest gunslinger, as well as recovering alcoholic, Jim "The Waco Kid" (played by Wilder).
What is produced is easily one of the greatest racially-charged satirical films in comedy history. With an all-star cast of Little, Wilder, Korman, Brooks, the beautiful comedy queen Madeline Kahn and Western legend Slim Pickens, along with a cameo by the amazing Dom DeLuise, it is no wonder as to why this film is ranked sixth on the American Film Institute's
100 Years... 100 Laughs list.
A movie that reminds us to love a happy ending and that "Mongo only pawn in game of life."
And remember: it's "Hedley".
Young Frankenstein (1974)
Brooks and Wilder shared writing duties in creating a hilarious parody to a horror classic. Wilder plays Frederick Frankenstein, the grandson of the mad scientist Victor Von Frankenstein, although he prefers it to be pronounced 'Fronkensteen' in an attempt to distance himself from his grandfather's infamous history. However, as fate would have it, Frederick becomes the sole owner of his family's estate in Transylvania and soon becomes infatuated with his grandfather's research, eventually following in his footsteps in bringing the dead back to life.
Also including the queen herself Madeline Kahn, the cast has such greats as Cloris Leachman, Teri Garr, Marty Feldman as Igor, Peter Boyle as Frankenstein's Monster, and like
Blazing Saddles, another superb cameo, this time with Mr. Gene Hackman. The film presents a fantastic parody of the Frankenstein story. One that may have you consider Abby Normal as a good name for your daughter. One that may make you find joy in saying the word 'schwanstuker'. One that will change your idea of the song "Puttin' On the Ritz".
As someone who enjoys watching nothing but horror movies in the month of October, this writer chooses to start that marathon with this comedy, because what better way to warm up to a month of scary movies with one that scarily makes you laugh your ass off.
This, in no way, is meant to devalue the excellence of
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. That can never be done. Instead, know that the success of
Willy Wonka lead to two films that show Wilder excel in his comedic genius. Moreover, down the road, Wilder would become one half of a memorable pairing, teaming up with Richard Pryor and delivering some on-screen hilarity with the legendary stand-up comedian.
So to sum up the moral of the story of Gene Wilder, know that this iconic actor was more than just Willy. He was Willy, Jim, Frederick, Leo, George, Skip, Dave and so many other memorable performances. And after you watch
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, be sure to make time for these other amazing works from this amazing man...
A man of pure imagination.
