So many of today’s stars in comedy were influenced by the likes of Wilder and Brooks, so it’s nice to hear the 90-year-old filmmaker speak so highly of his former colleague. In true Brooks fashion, their introduction entailed a good-natured jab about Wilder’s looks. Wilder saw the role as one that was “touching” and “amusing”, but not side-splitting. He also showed a true dedication to his craft, often surprising the cast of children with improvised scenes like losing his cane and somersaulting on the red carpet outside the Wonka Factory. Most concerned three classic films from Wilder’s body of work – Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
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“I’m heartbroken at Gene’s passing, but what a wonderful way to celebrate his gifts and talents this weekend”, he said.
Brooks did secure financing for the comedy musical, and after learning he would be heading to the big screen for the first time, Wilder became emotional. When it happens, it’s still tremendous.
Brooks recalled first meeting Wilder when the actor was starring in a production of Mother Courage with Bancroft.
Ostrum never made another film, despite his happy experience working on “Willy Wonka”, but he often remembers Wilder and Jack Albertson, the man who played Charlie’s grandfather.
When Brooks approached Wilder to inform him that he had, in fact, gotten the money, and that he would be playing “Leo Bloom”, Wilder “burst into tears and held his face and cried. It was a wonderful moment”.
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It was during the filming of Blazing Saddles that Wilder proposed the concept for Young Frankenstein to Brooks. He explained that Frankenstein’s grandson didn’t want anything to do with making a monster. “And he’s fighting it, but it’s in his blood, ‘” Brooks said.
