The thing that makes this movie so special is the skill with which the cast members deliver the jokes. I have no idea why Slim Pickens yelling "What in the wide, wide world of sports is going on?!" is so funny, but it is. I'm not sure I caught half of what Madeline Kahn was saying or singing but I know I laughed out loud. Check out how awkward she is when she's performing her song and stumble act. Her character doesn't even know she can half-ass it and it won't matter to the hootin' and hollerin' rough riders in the audience. It's like she's trying but she's just that bad and it still doesn't matter. Very subtle in a movie not known for its subtlety.

Harvey Korman drives the movie with what is basically a mustache-twisting Snidley Whiplash performance sans the mustache. I think Slim Pickens is my favorite, though. His Taggart character is just smart enough to know he's leading a group of idiots but not smart enough to actually do it. His frustration with his boss and his minions is hilarious. He's trying but it's hopeless and he knows it.

The whole affair degrades into total chaos by the end and those expecting to get a conclusion that actually makes sense are out of luck. But this is all done for laughs so none of it matters. It's all about having a good time.