Producer Michael Hertzberg recognised Mel Brooks' unique ability to handle racial satire after The Producers released to huge acclaim in 1967, recruiting him in 1972 as director following Gregory's departure.

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February 07, 2026 - 11:36 UTC

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Brooks assembled a pretty legendary writing team including Richard Pryor, Norman Steinberg, and Alan Uger. The four writers expanded Bergman's Western parody into a multilayered satire of American racism.

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Brooks and his writing team drew inspiration from Jonathan Swift's non-fiction short story A Modest Proposal from 1729. Swift’s essay used exaggeration and absurdity to promote satire, and Brooks’ film adapted outrageous humour to critique institutional racism.

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