The Producers

Mel Brooks, USA, 1968, 88 minutes

Mel Brooks’ The Producers is an Academy award winning comedy, set in 1950s New York. The plot revolves around a washed up producer Max Bialystock, played by Zero Mostel, and his timid accountant Leopold Bloom, played by Gene Wilder. Max has resorted to conning little old ladies out of money and it is only when Leo comes up with the idea that you could make more money from a flop than from a hit that he picks himself up, or sinks lower (depending on your opinion). The duo then proceeds to find the worst script, director and actors possible to create a guaranteed flop. They return with a script of “Springtime for Hitler and Germany”, directed by the effeminate and flamboyant Roger De Bris with leading man LSD.

The interactions between Mostel and Wilder are what really bring the film to life. Much of the humour is derived from the quips between the two. That said some of the remaining characters are also hilarious, notably Kenneth Mars playing the WWII Nazi playwright and Dick Shawn playing the main lead in Max and Leos’ production. Some however may take offense to the comic portrayal of Nazi Germany and at the films’ release there were numerous critics who thought it in bad taste.

Funny throughout, the film is a torrent of jokes, with a delivery style similar to “The Flintstones” but more adult and with better success rate. If that style of comedy does not suit your tastes you may find The Producers lackluster. The ending may also disappoint as it tails off meekly in comparison to the grand flair of the rest of the film. The characters however are all very distinct and memorable. The production’s song “Springtime for Hitler and Germany” is brilliant, one that you’ll want to sing to yourself over and over. Watch if you like any of Mel Brooks other films e.g. Blazing Saddles, The Flintstones or Top Gun.

Review by Huw Bowdler
Taken from EUFS Programme 2010-11

"Don't be stupid, be a smarty. Come and join the Nazi party."

Down on his luck Broadway producer, Max Bialystock (Zero Mostel) comes across a sure fire way of making money from a Broadway show, with the help of meek accountant Leo Bloom (Gene Wilder)- All they need to do is put on a thatre production so bad that it closes after only one night. With the worst play(Springtime for Hitler: A Gay Romp with Adolf and Eva at Berchtesgarten), the worst director and the worst cast imaginable, what could possibly go wrong...?

Let's not beat about the bush- Mel Brooks can be rather hit or miss when it comes to making films. However, during the late 60's and 70's, he wrote and directed 3 of the funniest comedies ever put on film. Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein and this comic gem. Brooks won a much deserved Oscar for the screenplay and viewing the movie now, 35 years later it's easy to see why. This movie is a satire, a goofy comedy and slapsick all rolled into one. The cast is perfect, Mostel as the greedy, devious producer who spends his time wooing elderly ladies to fund his shows and Wilder as his reluctant partner in crime- a neurotic accountant who can't live without his "blankie" (a role which earned him a best supporting actor Oscar nomination) make a great team with each playing off against the other to perfection. The supporting cast are also great, with Kenneth Mars perfect as the author of the play, a deranged German immagrant with a crush on Hitler. If you've never seen this movie DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE! If you aren't laughing within the first minute, I'll give you a shiny new penny.

Review by Karl "Carlito Baby" Byrne
Written for EUFS Programme Autumn 2005