I went back to the fire station after 'Paper Moon', and about three months later I got this phone call. “Fire Station number 39, Gilliam speaking”. “Hello, my name is Mel Brooks. I’m a writer, director, producer, actor, and I’m getting ready to do a big picture, and I want you to be one of my stars.” I said, 'Thank you Mr. Brooks.' Boom, I just hung up the phone. What if he hadn’t called back? I’d have those two cows and living out in East Texas, wouldn’t I?