The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977): A Politically Incorrect Comedy That Still Shocks and Entertains

In the world of comedy, few films stand out like The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977). Directed by John Landis and written by the legendary trio Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker, this movie was a trailblazer in sketch comedy and satire. But it’s not just known for its laughs. It’s infamous for being one of the most politically incorrect films of its time. In an era when offensive humour was more widely accepted, this movie pushed boundaries that would make today’s audiences cringe. Yet, despite its controversial nature, The Kentucky Fried Movie continues to be a cult classic, cherished by fans of dark comedy and irreverent humour. Let’s take a deep dive into what makes this film so outrageous, yet unforgettable.

What Makes The Kentucky Fried Movie So Unique?

In the pantheon of 1970s comedies, The Kentucky Fried Movie carved its niche by being both bizarre and bold. This wasn’t your typical Hollywood production. Instead, the film was a mashup of sketches, parodies, and fake commercials, all wrapped in a no-holds-barred approach to humour.

A Parade of Sketches

One of the most remarkable aspects of The Kentucky Fried Movie is its structure. The film doesn’t follow a traditional plot. Instead, it’s more like a series of unrelated sketches, all satirizing various elements of American pop culture. From TV commercials to kung-fu movies, nothing was off-limits. Some of these skits are hilarious while others border on uncomfortable. But that’s part of its charm The Kentucky Fried Movie makes you laugh, but it also makes you question why you’re laughing.

A Perfect Example of Dark Comedy

If you appreciate dark comedy, this movie is for you. The humour in The Kentucky Fried Movie is sometimes so crass that it can catch you off guard. But it’s this very edge that makes it so memorable.

“Catholic High School Girls in Trouble”

A standout sketch that often gets mentioned is the fake trailer for Catholic High School Girls in Trouble. This segment is pure parody gold, mimicking the over the top exploitation movies of the 70s. With its raunchy jokes and blatant disregard for political correctness, it’s one of those scenes that makes you wonder how it ever made it to the screen. However, it’s precisely this irreverence that keeps people talking about it decades later.

Fistful of Yen: The Perfect Parody

Another unforgettable segment is Fistful of Yen, a spot-on parody of Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon. Every scene in this sketch mimics a part of the original film, but with absurd twists. If you’ve watched Enter the Dragon, this segment will have you laughing out loud as it exaggerates the action and adds ridiculous dialogue.

The Creative Minds Behind the Chaos

What really makes The Kentucky Fried Movie stand out is the genius writing team behind it. Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker would later go on to create other comedy classics like Airplane!, The Naked Gun, and Top Secret!. Their ability to mix slapstick with satire and their knack for visual gags is evident throughout The Kentucky Fried Movie. Their humour is unapologetically crass, often crossing lines, but always with impeccable timing.

Pushing the Boundaries of Political Incorrectness

For anyone watching The Kentucky Fried Movie today, the first reaction might be shock. The film is filled with jokes and gags that would never fly in the modern era of sensitivity and inclusiveness. Whether it’s stereotypes, offensive language, or explicit sexual content, the movie goes places that feel deeply uncomfortable in a contemporary context.

But back in 1977, this kind of humour was far more accepted. In fact, The Kentucky Fried Movie was considered edgy and ahead of its time. It pushed boundaries not for the sake of controversy, but because it reflected a different social climate, one where comedy often thrived on shock value.

Why The Kentucky Fried Movie Still Matters Today

So, why does The Kentucky Fried Movie still hold a place in pop culture today, despite its glaring political incorrectness? There are a few reasons.

A Time Capsule of 70s Humor

First and foremost, the movie serves as a time capsule of 1970s humour. It captures the essence of the decade’s comedy, which often revolved around pushing the envelope. It gives modern audiences insight into what was considered funny at a time when political correctness was less of a concern.

Cult Classic Status

Like many movies that were controversial or misunderstood in their time, The Kentucky Fried Movie has achieved cult classic status. Fans of offbeat, dark comedy still flock to this film for its unfiltered humour. It’s the kind of movie that thrives on word-of-mouth recommendations, passed down from one generation of comedy lovers to the next.

Influence on Modern Comedy

Another reason the movie endures is its lasting influence on modern comedy. The Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker team went on to shape the comedic landscape with films like Airplane! and The Naked Gun, which drew on the same absurd, parodic style seen in The Kentucky Fried Movie. Even though the humour in The Kentucky Fried Movie can feel dated, it laid the groundwork for countless comedies that came afterward.

How The Kentucky Fried Movie Compares to Other Satirical Comedies

When discussing politically incorrect comedies, it’s impossible not to compare The Kentucky Fried Movie to other films in the same vein.

The Groove Tube (1974)

The Groove Tube, which came out a few years earlier, is another sketch comedy film with a similar structure. Both films take jabs at television and popular culture, but The Kentucky Fried Movie stands out for its more aggressive approach. While The Groove Tube has its moments, many fans of the genre find The Kentucky Fried Movie to be sharper and funnier.

Blazing Saddles (1974)

Another politically incorrect comedy from the same era is Blazing Saddles, directed by Mel Brooks. Like The Kentucky Fried Movie, Blazing Saddles used humour to address uncomfortable topics like racism and sexism. However, Blazing Saddles managed to have a clear narrative, whereas The Kentucky Fried Movie embraced its sketch format. Both films were ground breaking, but in different ways.

Why You Should Watch The Kentucky Fried Movie Today

In today’s world, where humour is often tamed to avoid offense, The Kentucky Fried Movie offers a refreshing (or shocking) reminder of how comedy used to be. Whether you agree with the humour or not, it’s a cultural artifact worth revisiting.

A Good Laugh with a Side of Cringe

Let’s be honest this movie isn’t for everyone. But if you can appreciate dark comedy and have a taste for the outrageous, you’ll likely find yourself laughing out loud. At the same time, be prepared to cringe at some of the more politically incorrect moments. It’s a comedy that doesn’t hold back, for better or worse.

Conclusion

The Kentucky Fried Movie is not just a film; it’s a chaotic experience. It’s politically incorrect, offensive, and utterly hilarious all at once. While its humour may not land with everyone, it’s undeniable that this movie made its mark on comedy history. If you’re a fan of sketch comedies, parodies, or just curious about how humour has evolved, The Kentucky Fried Movie is a must-watch. Just be prepared for a wild ride that’s both a relic of its time and a reminder of how far we’ve come or haven’t in the realm of comedy.