Mel Brooks’ film Blazing Saddles was released to theatres in 1974 and quickly struck a chord with movie audiences worldwide, amassing almost $120 million in box office earnings. Although the movie was controversial due to its use of racial humor, it was widely celebrated for its clever writing and performances.

Following the film’s release, it has ascended to the ranks of one of the most celebrated comedies in cinematic history. Its enduring popularity and critical acclaim were evident when it received three Oscar nominations during its initial release, and in 2000 the American Film Institute (AFI) recognized the film’s brilliance by ranking it as the sixth-best comedy ever produced in America, solidifying its place in the pantheon of comedic masterpieces.

Hedy Lamarr sued Mel Brooks for using her name in ‘Blazing Saddles’

When actress Hedy Lamarr caught wind that a version of her name had been used for a character in Blazing Saddles, she initiated legal proceedings in a Manhattan court against Brooks.

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In 1974, the Los Angeles Times featured an article that covered a lawsuit between the actress and the famous director. “Actress Hedy Lamarr is suing comedian Mel Brooks for $10 million, alleging that he used her name and identity in Blazing Saddles without permission. [The] western filled with blatant puns and offbeat humor on everything from race relations to homosexuality stars a hideous villain named ‘Hedl’ [e]y Lamar.’ Throughout the picture, the villain is addressed as “Heddy” and is completely unable to convince people that his name is Hedley,” the publication wrote. “Miss Lamarr, a superstar in the ’30s and ’40s in films such as Boom Town, Comrade X and Ziegfeld Girl, alleges the use of her name and identity in the film was ‘totally unauthorized’ and that she did not consent to such use, either verbally or in writing.'”

Mel Brooks says he settled with Hedy Lamarr

During the production of the 2017 documentary Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story, which shed light on the life of the iconic actress, Brooks was interviewed, and he gave details on the reason behind the name of his villain’s character in Blazing Saddles. “I wanted to call him Simon Lamarr. Lamarr is a downright villain. Then I said Lamarr, Lamarr, I’ll call him Hedley Lamarr.’ And it was incredible,” he explained. “From the minute the amazing, undeniably funny Harvey Korman was Hedley Lamarr, it worked in every scene.”

Brooks also admitted that he initially believed the character’s name would not cause any issues, but the unexpected lawsuit by Hedy Lamarr proved otherwise. “And what happened? She actually sued us because we used Hedley Lamarr. Too close to Hedy. And they [Brooks’ lawyers] said, ‘This is ridiculous, we’re going to go to court, we’re going to fight it.’ And I said, ‘No! She’s beautiful,'” Brooks added. “‘See if you can arrange a meeting. Within reason, give her whatever she needs, because she’s given us such wonderful cinematic pleasures for forty years. I think it’s our duty to salute her. And send her my regards and tell her where I live.'”

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