The Producers1968
The Producers (1968)
TOMATOMETER
AUDIENCE SCORE
Critic Consensus: A hilarious satire of the business side of Hollywood, The Producers is one of Mel Brooks' finest, as well as funniest films, featuring standout performances by Gene Wilder and Zero Mostel.
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Movie Info
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Cast
as Max Bialystock
as Leo Bloom
as Franz Liebkind
as LSD
as Roger DeBris
as Carmen Giya
as Hold Me, Touch Me
as Ulla
as Eva Braun
as The Drunk
as Doc Goebbels
as Production Tenor
as Critic
as Woman at Window
as Bartender
as Auditioning Hitler
as Auditioning Hitler
as Auditioning Hitler
as Auditioning Hitler
as Auditioning Hitler
as Old Lady
as Old Lady
as Ladie
as Old Lady
as Old Lady
as German Officer in Play
as Showgirl
as Lead Dancer
as Dancer
as Lead Dancer
as Violinist
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Critic Reviews for The Producers
All Critics (73) | Top Critics (15) | Fresh (66) | Rotten (7) | DVD (16)
Each time I've watched it - and I've watched it many times - Mel Brooks' The Producers has felt horribly pertinent to the present moment.
The Producers has many things going for it -- notably a wild, ad-lib energy that explodes in a series of sight gags and punch lines.
Mel Brooks has turned a funny idea into a slapstick film, thanks to the performers, particularly Zero Mostel.
Everything that can go wrong in an amateur film does go wrong, from the timing to the structure to the pitch of the performances.
Brooks' first feature, an absolutely hilarious and tasteless New York Jewish comedy about Broadway.
It's the ultimate punchline, the killer gag, that a proto-novel that turned into a proto-play that ended up as a movie about the worst musical in history, is now the most popular musical in town.
Audience Reviews for The Producers
With its casual homophobia and objectification of women, the film's sense of humor feels a bit dated and is not always efficient, but Gene Wilder and Zero Mostel are hilarious and hold this comedy together even when we realize that the plot is a lot more predictable than it seems.
Super Reviewer
Its a shame Mostel didn't have the chance to make more films with Wilder as they are such a fantastic pair more so than Wilder n Pryor even. Mostel was such a brilliant comedian with his facial expressions, heavy set movement and brilliant verbal skills, this Mel Brooks classic shows us this in every way. The plot is actually very clever, simple but clever, but the way each and every character is formed and played out by the terrific cast is the key to the films genius. The whole film is basically quite insane, loony even, Mostel is like a cartoon character as he transforms from cunning to charming on a dime, then U-turns with in your face rants. Wilder's meek, clever and paranoid performance compliments the odd couple duo, very much the new Laurel n Hardy of the time if you will. Brooks favourite choice Kenneth Mars is again in a role that is quite memorable as the shell shocked loyal Nazi whose love letter to Hitler becomes a surprise hit. His performance like everyone else is quite loony and in my opinion better than his character from 'Young Frankenstein', yet not as amusing as the two star leads. The film is off the wall and almost comes across as a feature length 'Monty Python' sketch with some of the best crazy characters ever created. What also works so well are the sets and costumes used, everything is really quite down to earth and of its time. There doesn't appear to be anything fancy used or any large amounts of money spend. Its simply a great example of a character/plot driven film which is purely relying on the genuine skills of its cast, possibly a touch of improvisation. Unlike other Brooks films as its actually kinda sensible, totally over the top and in your face with outrageous acting, but its not an out right spoof. It also still holds up perfectly well to this day and doesn't seem dated in a comedy sense, obviously the costumes and Nazi aspect are getting on a bit these days. Easily some of the wildest and most unconventional comedy (and hair!) you will have seen for a long time, and its genius.
Super Reviewer
Mel Brooks' The Producers is an accomplished comedy classic that is superbly acted and directed. This is a funny and entertaining film that is pure comedy when comedy mattered and is a smart film in terms of it not relying on vulgar or obscene comedy bits that so many films of today rely on to try and make you laugh. Mel brooks has crafted a fine movie here, one that is highly entertaining from start to finish and its ridiculous plot make a film to treasure from film lovers that enjoy something truly entertaining humorous throughout. Brooks' work would be more elaborate as he would sharpen his skills as a director, but with The Producers is a work that showcases his talents and you can clearly see his talent in this impressive classic. I do believe that Brooks made better films, but with this one he splashed onto the movie making scene and just delivered something truly refreshing in terms of comedy. The cast here do a fine work and Gene Wilder is very funny and so is the rest of the cast. The idea behind the film is immaculate and very original. Mel Brooks has achieved something unique here, and this is a film that when first released had some unfair flack due to its content. But this is comedy that is effective and tasteful, and it deserves all the praise it has gotten since its initial release. With a great cast, fine direction and a highly thought out and hilarious script, Brooks has made a defining movie that reshaped comedy for years afterwards. If you enjoy smart comic relief and are tired of some bland comedies of today that often miss the mark, well this is a film guaranteed to entertain you. The Producers isn't perfect, but it is a film that is entertaining, fun and ridiculous and should be seen by cinema fans that enjoy these types of comedies.
Super Reviewer
The Producers Quotes
| Max Bialystock: | Don't you see Bloom, darling Bloom, glorious Bloom? It's so simple. Step one: We find the worst play world, a surefire flop. Step two: I raise a million bucks. Lots of little old ladies out there. Step three: You go back to work on the books, phony list of backers - one for the government, one for us. You can do it, Bloom; you're a wizard! Step four: We open on Broadway. And before you can say Step five, we *close* on Broadway! |
| Franz Liebkind: | Not many people know it, but the Führer was a terrific dancer. |