Part 3/10:
Casting for Blazing Saddles posed its own set of challenges. The film’s lead role needed an actor who could deftly navigate the complexities of its satirical narrative. Richard Pryor, although initially approached, couldn’t take the role due to insurance issues stemming from his past. Instead, the role of Sheriff Bart went to Cleveland Little, a Broadway star who perfectly embodied the character’s charisma and intelligence. The screenplay’s incorporation of racist slurs for comedic effect ignited debates at the time, pushing boundaries and raising questions about societal prejudices.