Black Bart (1975)
The unaired CBS pilot that brought the world of Blazing Saddles to television, starring Louis Gossett Jr. as the inimitable sheriff Bart.
Black Bart - Movie Information
- Original Title: Black Bart
- Release Year: 1975
- Directed by: Robert Butler
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Western, Comedy
- Runtime: 24m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 1, 1975 (United States)
- Alternative Titles: Blazing Saddles (US)
- Production Companies: Warner Bros. Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
Black Bart - Plot
A television series titled Black Bart was produced for CBS based on Andrew Bergman's original story for Blazing Saddles (Black Bart was the movie's original title). It featured Lou Gossett, Jr. as Bart and Steve Landesberg as his drunkard sidekick, a former Confederate officer named "Reb Jordan". The humour was much more toned down than its feature film predecessor. Other cast members included Millie Slavin and Noble Willingham. Bergman is listed as the sole creator. CBS aired the pilot once on April 4, 1975 as a CBS Special Presentation. The pilot featured guest appearances by Gerrit Graham and Brooke Adams and was written by Michael Elias and Rich Eustis. Elias and Eustis later created and executive produced the ABC sitcom Head of the Class (1986–1991).
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Black Bart - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Robert Butler
Main Cast
- Louis Gossett Jr.
- Steve Landesberg
- Millie Slavin
- Noble Willingham
- Ruben Moreno
- Theodore Lehmann
- Gerrit Graham
- Brooke Adams
- Tamar Cooper
- Rand Bridges
Writers
- Michael Elias
- Frank Shaw
Producers
- Robert Butler
- Michael T. Elias
Black Bart - FAQs
Is Black Bart based on Blazing Saddles?
Yes, Black Bart is directly rooted in Blazing Saddles. It was developed from Andrew Bergman's original story, and Black Bart was actually the working title of the 1974 Mel Brooks film before it was renamed. The TV pilot shares the same premise but tones down the humor considerably.
Why was Black Bart never picked up as a series?
CBS aired the Black Bart pilot just once, on April 4, 1975, as a special presentation. The network ultimately chose not to order it to series. The pilot's more restrained comedic tone compared to the wildly irreverent Blazing Saddles likely made it a harder sell for audiences expecting the same anarchic energy.
Who plays Black Bart in the 1975 pilot?
Louis Gossett Jr. plays the title role of Black Bart, the sharp and resourceful sheriff. Steve Landesberg co-stars as Reb Jordan, his unlikely sidekick and former Confederate officer. The cast also includes Millie Slavin, Noble Willingham, Gerrit Graham, and Brooke Adams in guest roles.
What is Black Bart about?
Black Bart follows a quick-witted Black sheriff navigating the comic chaos of the Old West, paired with an unlikely Confederate drunkard as his sidekick. Rooted in the same story that inspired Blazing Saddles, the pilot blends Western adventure with comedy, though with a noticeably gentler touch than its big-screen predecessor.
Who directed and wrote the Black Bart pilot?
Robert Butler directed the pilot, and the script was written by Michael Elias and Rich Eustis. Elias and Eustis would later go on to create and executive produce the beloved ABC sitcom Head of the Class, which ran from 1986 to 1991. Andrew Bergman is credited as the sole creator of the original concept.
What is the runtime of Black Bart?
Black Bart runs approximately 24 minutes, fitting the format of a standard half-hour television comedy pilot. It aired on April 4, 1975, as a CBS Special Presentation and was never broadcast again after its single airing.
What are some movies similar to Black Bart?
If you enjoy Black Bart's blend of Western setting and offbeat humor, you might love The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, The Harder They Fall, or Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1. For more comedic Western fare, Gunslingers and Broke also offer entertaining spins on frontier storytelling.
What is the alternative title for Black Bart?
In the United States, Black Bart is also known under the alternative title Blazing Saddles, reflecting its direct connection to the iconic 1974 Mel Brooks comedy. The TV project originated from the same source material, and the shared title underscores that creative lineage.
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