TIM MAGUIRE

In one of Hollywood’s zaniest movie premiere stunts, Mel Brooks’
1974 western spoof Blazing Saddles screened at the Pickwick
Drive-In Theater in Burbank, California. Guests attend not in
cars—but on horseback.

Attendees, many sporting cowboy hats, watched the movie from
atop their steeds. Movie sound came through speakers attached
to saddle pommels, and the studio set up a “Horsepitality Bar”
where guests got “horse d’oeuvres.”

Brooks, one of Hollywood’s most legendary comedic directors,
was reportedly thrilled with the memorable publicity stunt, and
wrote to Warner Bros.’ publicist, Marty Weiser, who came up
with the clever idea. Its message: “You’re crazier than I am!”

Mel Brooks will be 100 years old on June 28th.

Groundhog Day premiered at the Fox Village Theatre on February
4, 1993 and was released by Columbia Pictures on February 12.
Earning over $105 million, it became one of the year’s highest-
grossing films. It also received generally positive reviews.

William (Bill) James Murray is 75.

The original movie Avatar had its U.S. premiered on December 16,
2009, following earlier international premieres, with widespread
release in theaters showcasing its groundbreaking 3D visuals and becoming a massive box office success, according to History.com, Wikipedia, and Fandom.

On November 26, 1942, Casablanca, a World War II-era drama
starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, premiered in
New York City; it went on to become one of the most beloved
Hollywood movies in history.