The Producers (1967)

The Producers
Directed by Mel Brooks
Written by Mel Brooks
1967/US
Crossbow Productions/Springtime Productions/U-M Productions
Repeat viewing/Amazon Instant
One of 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die

[box] Franz Liebkind: Hitler… there was a painter! He could paint an entire apartment in ONE afternoon! TWO coats![/box]

Like his later films, Mel Brooks’s film debut is totally over-the-top – and very funny.

Washed-up Broadway producer Max Bialystock (Zero Mostel) raises money for his productions by making love to his backers – all of whom are little old ladies. All his shows flop,  Timid accountant Leo Bloom (Gene Wilder) arrives to inspect the books and points out that Max has skimmed money from one of his shows.  He explains how, theoretically, Max could make millions from a guaranteed flop.  Max is immediately seized with the idea and sets about convincing poor Leo to join in.

The two search far and wide for the perfect script.  They find this in Nazi fanatic Franz Liebkind’s libretto for “Springtime for Hitler”.  They can then concentrate on finding the perfect Hitler. (Dick Shawn) and perfect director.  With Estelle Winwood as an old lady and Lee Meredith as a hot Swedish secretary.

Somehow novice Brooks took his novice cast and created a work of outrageous comedic genius.  Gene Wilder was so perfect for his part!  You look at each part and think this is really too much.  But you can’t help laughing. Highly recommended if you are in the mood for some nonsense.

Mel Brooks won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Gene Wilder was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar.

“Springtime for Hitler” – Just saw this yesterday and it made me laugh out loud again today!