In Memoriam: Madeline Kahn

Today, we're celebrating the life of Madeline Kahn, who would have turned 69 today, were she still alive. Originally trained to be an opera singer, Kahn found a knack for big-screen acting, nabbing her big break in films like 1973's Paper Moon and 1974's Blazing Saddles, both of which she earned Academy Award nominations. She had a talent for comedy, as is evidenced by her long-time working relationship with Mel Brooks, who cast her in a number of films over the years. Tragically, Kahn passed away in 1999 after a bout with ovarian cancer, taking away one of the finer performers the silver screen had seen in the thirty years prior. So, to celebrate her acting legacy, I've created a list of my five favorite of her roles, like I normally do with birthday posts. I hope you enjoy the videos as you help me celebrate the memory of Madeline Kahn.

5. Empress Nympho
History of the World: Part I (1981)


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4. Jenny Hill
The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother (1975)


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3. Elizabeth
Young Frankenstein (1974)


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2. Mrs. White
Clue (1985)


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1. Lili Von Shtupp
Blazing Saddles (1974)

Happy Birthday, Mel Brooks!

It's birthday time again! This time we're celebrating the 85th birthday of the king of spoofs, Mel Brooks! Over the course of his career, Brooks has created films that have played on some of the biggest movies that history has ever seen. What separates his films from other, more recent spoofs (like the Scary Movie franchise or any of those not-so-great off-shoots) is that Brooks' films are actually intelligent and bitingly hilarious. Sure, they delve into goofy humor now and again, but they're always entertaining. So below, I've listed my five favorite (and best-rated) of Mel Brooks' directorial efforts and have given a little snippet from each of them. Help me celebrate Mel Brooks' birthday! I hope you enjoy!

5. History of the World: Part 1
1981


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4. Spaceballs
1988


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3. Robin Hood: Men in Tights
1993


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2. Blazing Saddles
1974


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1. Young Frankenstein
1974


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