To reflect on his landmark films, including ‘Blazing Saddles’ and ‘Young Frankenstein,’ and his groundbreaking television series, ‘Your Show of Shows,’ Mel Brooks was interviewed by Alan Yentob for the new HBO special, ‘Mel Brooks Strikes Back!’ The one-hour special will debut exclusively on the premium cable network on Monday, December 10 at 9pm ET/PT.

The director and screenwriter spoke with Yentob, the creative director for the BBC, at the Geffen Theater in Westwood, California, before a live audience. Brooks discussed his career as a writer, director, actor, producer, composer, failed ballet dancer and comedian. The special also offers an insight into the filmmaker’s early life and career, show-business influences and his ascension as one of Hollywood’s most successful writers and directors.

‘Mel Brooks Strikes Back!’ also features clips from some of the filmmaker’s classic films and shows, including ‘The Producers’ and ‘High Anxiety.’ Brooks also answered questions from the audience, as well as discuss the origins of the song ‘Retreat,’ which he performed on the special with longtime collaborator Ronny Graham.

‘Mel Brooks strikes Back!’ is a Brooksfilms Production, and was produced by Steve Haberman and Rudy DeLuca. It’s Brooks’ second HBO special, following last year’s Emmy-nominated program ‘Mel Brooks and Dick Cavett Together Again.’

Check out the trailer preview for ‘Mel Brooks Strikes Back!’ below.

Written by: Karen Benardello