Like a Real Cowboy
Despite being a comedy, some of the actors took their roles really seriously. One of those was Louis Burton Lindley Jr., better known as Slim Pickens, who wanted to portray Taggart as best he could. He was the bully gang leader who terrorized the Rock Ridge citizens in their town. Slim decided that in order to get in the mindset of his character, he would need to sleep outside, like a real cowboy. And more so, he did it with his Winchester by his side, reminding him always that he’s supposed to be an outlaw.
Source: Mashable
One thing the writers struggled to agree on was the movie’s title. Originally, “Ten X” was the working title, in reference to Malcolm X. But that later changed to “Black Bart.” However, the writers still weren’t pleased with that name. They even considered calling the film “The Purple Sage.” Then one day when Brooks was in the shower, he came up with the title “Blazing Saddles.” His wife loved it, and that was enough for him to make a decision.
See what Mel Brooks used as inspiration for a memorable scene!