Mel Brooks, whose career in comedy includes writing and directing iconic comedies "The Producers," and "Young Frankenstein," will receive the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award on June 6.<br/> <br />And if you ask him, it's about time.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Mel Brooks, entertainment, saying (English):<br/> <br />"They're finally recognizing that I'm a pretty good director. They say, 'comedy force, funny, good writer, funny actor. Nobody every, in the press or anywhere, said I was a good director."<br/> <br />In 1974 Brooks' film "Blazing Saddles" about a black sheriff and a drunken gunfighter is ranked number 6 on the AFI'S list of Hollywood's 100 funniest movies.<br/> <br />As Brooks thinks back he doesn't think the same movie would get made today.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Mel Brooks, entertainment, saying (English):<br/> <br />"I don't think you could do that picture today. I don't think they'd allow it, the studios. Unless it was a black cast doing a picture about black people, then it would be allowed."
