The Funniest Movies from 1970-2000

As hard as it is to compile such a list without leaving off a few, it would be even more dificult to rank them since I find them all so funny. So the list is chronological, starting with the oldest first. Enjoy and hopefully this will bring back some fond memories, or in some cases make you, the reader, want ot see the ones you may have missed.

Blazing Saddles, 1974
This Mel Brooks spoof of old westerns offended many even back in the 70's, long before so-called "political correctness" was the rule of the day. The "N" word was used in the film, entirely tongue in cheek, as one of the points of the film was to make fun of racism and racists. It was co-written by the late Richard Pryor, after all. The plot, such as it were, centers around a crooked aide of the Governor in an unnamed state out west.

The aide, played by Harvey Korman, hatches a plan to appoint a Sheriff for the town of Rock Ridge who will be so despised by the townfolk that the town will go to pot and the state can take the land away and make loads of money from the railroad. Black Bart, played by Cleavon Little, is sprung from jail and appointed Sheriff of a town he's never seen. There are some great lines, sight gags and just about every brand of humor imaginable, some coming at the viewer so fast it's hard to keep up.

At the town hall meeting to discuss the new Sheriff, the all-white citizens of Rock Ridge, all named Johnson, are in a tizzy. "Dammit, I said order!" says the moderator. " LIke Nitzche said 'out of chaos comes order' says Howard Johnson (John Hillerman/Higgins of Magnum PI) the town intelltual. "Blow it out yer' @$$, Howard" replies Olson Johnson.

Gov. William J. Le Petomane refers to his aide, Hedley Lamarr as "Hedy", a running joke throughout the film. "Hedley" Korman corrects his boss. "What the hell are you worried about? It's 1874, you can sue her", the Governor replies.