The Producers (1967)

Broadway has-been (Zero Mostel) realizes that if he sells more than 100% of the shares in a musical, and it fails catastrophically, investors won’t be looking for their money, and he can keep everything. So, he gets the wrong play, and hires the wrong director and actors. What could possibly go right?

The Producers features many exceptional, over the top comedic performances. Specifically Kenneth Mars as the Nazi playwright (I outrank you!), Dick Shawn as the on-stage Hitler, and of course Gene Wilder and Zero. But don’t forget about the secondary characters from the elderly, love-struck investors to the go-go dancing secretary.

The movie rose from relative obscurity when it was adapted into an actual Broadway musical then remade as a film. This is how Mel managed to earn an EGOT, which is pretty good for a man who can’t read music. I have not seen the latter film.

The movie’s many hilarious scenes are facilitated by the brilliant, almost plausible premise. The very broad, and very dated humor may be off putting for some, but for me The Producers is a delightful romp. Mel Brooks is a national treasure and I loved every minute of this film. AMRU 4.5.

“Hitler, there was a painter. He could paint an entire apartment in one afternoon! Two coats!”