Listening to an NPR profile of Mel Brooks this morning, I was reminded of the fact that just about every story I’ve ever heard or read about him highlights what the story-writer believes to be Brooks’ greatest works, and they invariably (and correctly) cite:

• Blazing Saddles
• Young Frankenstein

And then they usually round that out with one of

• History of the World Part I
• The Producers
• Spaceballs

AND THEY NEARLY NEVER MENTION High Anxiety.

What are you wearing, jeans? I’ll bet they’re tight.

How is this possible? How does no one seem to remember this, even though it’s every bit as hilarious, quotable, homage-rich, Harvey-Korman-Wonderful and terrific as the rest?

I think I saw High Anxiety at the movie theatre, as opposed to BS and YF, which I probably didn’t see until much later on video - so maybe that’s coloring my memories. But my heart breaks just a bit when the media celebrates this great, great filmmaker and somehow always shoves aside one of his great classics, usually in favor of Spaceballs - which I’d classify as a much lesser work.

(via Mel Brooks, ‘Unhinged’ And Loving It : NPR)