The Producers
"Fast-Paced [and] Very Entertaining!" -Variety
A "startling, stunning, outrageous [and] breathtaking debut" (Los Angeles Times) from acclaimed writer/director Mel Brooks (Young Frankenstein, Spaceballs), this Oscar winning comedy combines "pure pell-Mel lunacy [and] wild, ad-lib energy [into an] uproariously funny" (Time) film!
Low rent Broadway producer Max Bialystock (Zero Mostel) and his high-strung accountant Leo Bloom (Gene Wilder) discover that, with the help of a few gullible investors, they can make more money on a flop than on a hit! Armed with the worst show ever written (Springtime for Hitler) and an equally horrific cast, this double dealing duo is banking on disaster. But when their sure-to-offend musical becomes a smash hit, they find themselves in the middle of a Broadway blitzkrieg!
Member Reviews
my favourite Mel Brooks feature - vadim
Let me start off by saying I am not a huge fan of Mel Brook's exaggerated humor. I did not enjoy Young Frankenstein. Spaceballs and High Anxiety. However, I believe his humor worked well in the story presented in this film. THE production of the worst play titled Springtime for Hitler is ingenious, and Gene Wiler and Mostel give hilarious performances. This is the funniest Mel Brooks film in my opinon. Btw do not rent the remake.Dated - musselman
I have heard so much about this film and susequent stage production that I thought I should see it. Now that I have, I can't say I am impressed. No doubt, at the time of its original release it was fresh and engaging but time has passed it by. I dislike the 'mugging' style of acting by all concerned. Everyone behaves as if they are on stage playing to a large room rather than in front of the camera. If you prefer subtlety, this is not for you.Comedy highlight but leave out Wilder - crondeau
First off, I think Mel Brooks is a genius. The Producers, High Anxiety and Young Frankenstein all testify to this. The high points of The Producers are, in my opinion, some of the funniest and most irreverent moments that you will find on film. For me, the main musical number “Springtime for Hitler” is a riot and is clearly the highlight of the movie. It could be three times longer and still keep me coming back for more.
If you put yourself in the position of movie-goers in the 1960’s, you can imagine how controversial it must have been to dress dancers in SS outfits and have the lead actors walk down the streets of NY with swastika’s on their sleeves. The 40 years that have passed since then leave the best bits of the movie just as fresh as they were in 1968, but there are elements that have not aged as well. I came away from watching it again recently feeling it was a bit dated.
Zero Mostel is terrific and carries the film past the supporting cast including Gene Wlider. I’ve never been a fan of Wilder. I find his comedy to be less skilled than many others, with his almost hysterical energy grating on my nerves in this and other films.
Member Reviews
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my favourite Mel Brooks feature - vadim
Let me start off by saying I am not a huge fan of Mel Brook's exaggerated humor. I did not enjoy Young Frankenstein. Spaceballs and High Anxiety. However, I believe his humor worked well in the story presented in this film. THE production of the worst play ...Dated - musselman
I have heard so much about this film and susequent stage production that I thought I should see it. Now that I have, I can't say I am impressed. No doubt, at the time of its original release it was fresh and engaging but time has passed it by. I dislike the ...Comedy highlight but leave out Wilder - crondeau
First off, I think Mel Brooks is a genius. The Producers, High Anxiety and Young Frankenstein all testify to this. The high points of The Producers are, in my opinion, some of the funniest and most irreverent moments that you will find on film. For me, the ...