History of Mel Brooks: Part 1

Preparing for the Forbes Interview

First Part: Do your research

In preparing to interview Mel for his American Masters special Mel Brooks: Make A Noise on PBS May 20, it helps to do your research . . .

“Mel is a fascinating combination of elements” - Nathan Lane

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“He takes you down a path where you think this is going to be so wonderful, and then he just pulls you into something that is so stupid and funny” – Joan Rivers

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“He felt special; and he was special” – Carl Reiner�

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“His narcissism is hilarious. It’s like the sun” – Richard Lewis

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“Mel is not afraid to go up to the line; occasionally he will cross it” – Rob Reiner

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“I said ‘my job is finding the insane and the bizarre in the common place?’ I don’t remember saying that, but I will give myself a pat on the back for that one” - Mel

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On Zero Mostel: “I had to be careful about not hurting his feelings and still getting what I want” - Mel

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On meeting Mel: “When God spoke to Moses for the first time . . . Yes, I would say it had some minor importance on my life.” – Gene Wilder�

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On Mel and TV: “You said, ‘Let’s call him Maxwell Smart. Because then we can call the show ‘Get Smart’.” – Buck Henry �

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“I was in love with him instantly. You see, because he looked just like my father, and acted just like my mother” – Anne Bancroft

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On Blazing Saddles: “The engine that runs it and makes it stay on track is ‘Racial Prejudice’.” - Mel

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“The difference between comedy and tragedy is . . . Tragedy is if I cut my finger. Comedy is if you fall into an open sewer and die.” – Mel

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“How could I not do the movie with him? The characters name is ‘Latrine’ for God’s sake.” – Tracey Ullman

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Interested  in  more  Brooksisms?  

Visit  Shout  Factory  or  check  out  my  interview  on  Forbes  

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