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The Producers

Play trailer Poster for The Producers Released Mar 18, 1968 1h 28m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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91% Tomatometer 76 Reviews 85% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
Down and out producer Max Bialystock (Zero Mostel), who was once the toast of Broadway, trades sexual favors with old ladies for cash contributions. Max's new accountant Leo Bloom (Gene Wilder), offhandedly muses that if Max found investors for a new production that turned into a flop, he could legally keep all the extra money. The duo begins to put together the worst play possible, titled "Springtime for Hitler", with a terrible director and a hippie-freak star.
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The Producers

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Critics 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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Critics Reviews

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Peter Bradshaw Guardian 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. Rated: 5/5 Aug 1, 2018 Full Review TIME Magazine 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. Aug 12, 2008 Full Review Variety Staff Variety Mel Brooks has turned a funny idea into a slapstick film, thanks to the performers, particularly Zero Mostel. Aug 12, 2008 Full Review Joseph Tomastik Loud and Clear Reviews The film is far more consistently entertaining in the second half than in the first half, but a lot of the laughs come more from the ideas of what we’re seeing rather than their deliveries. Rated: 3/5 Oct 5, 2024 Full Review John Ferguson Radio Times While the gags flow freely throughout, it's the jaw-dropping numbers from Springtime for Hitler that cement the film's place in cinema history. Rated: 5/5 Aug 30, 2024 Full Review Tim Dirks Filmsite Writer/director Mel Brooks' debut film and most popular farce was a zany, often brilliant spoof comedy about Broadway productions (and their producers) and the Nazis that many considered shoddy and in very bad taste. The subversive and irreverent film Rated: A+ Oct 12, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jay W Amitidly it is difficult to review a comedy. Humor, after all, is a very subjective thing. Also giving respect to the time period in which the comedy was created. But I am reviewing this film in how it stands up by today's standards. If I could rip out someone else's eyes and see this movie from their point of view I would, but to me, this is pretty slow and clunky. From the first joke, you can probably tell if this is the film for you. Max Bialystock is seducing old ladies to get money for his next production. After one leaves, he then switches the photo on the table to another old lady, who comes in as the previous exits. At that point, about the 30 second mark, you get the joke. But this scene goes on for over 9 minutes of screen time. That's 10% of the runtime of the film spent on this same joke. And the joke was more awkward than it was funny. There are undoubtedly funny jokes in the movie. And the premise of producers trying to deliberately bomb a production is a hilarious idea. Gene Wilder puts in a great performance as always. But by today's standards I think the film does not hold up as well as Mel Brook's other classics. Not the train wreck the producers may have wanted, but not the masterpiece the critics claim it to be. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 12/02/24 Full Review Dani G Pffffttt! Definitely... humor is not the same 60 years later Rated 1 out of 5 stars 06/25/24 Full Review john w Mel Brooks was a kind hearted gentle person , that's a rarity in itself, but he was also an incredibly good actor Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/19/24 Full Review matthias s "The Producers" is a zany musical-comedy film that follows two Broadway producers attempting to stage a flop to scam investors. However, their plan takes an unexpected turn when their show, "Springtime for Hitler," becomes an unintentional hit. The movie is a riotous ride, filled with laughter, catchy tunes, and energetic choreography. The dynamic duo of leads delivers standout performances, complemented by a talented ensemble cast. Although pacing issues and a lack of consistent impact slightly hamper the overall experience, "The Producers" remains a classic that brings joy and nostalgia, making it a delightful showstopper for those seeking a dose of Broadway magic on the big screen. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 11/11/23 Full Review Alec B It's a great concept aided by the hilarious performances of Wilder and Mostel. Perhaps one of the first films to point out that New York is almost entirely populated by insane people. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 11/10/23 Full Review Rami A One of Mel Brooks' funniest and finest pictures. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 10/26/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis Down and out producer Max Bialystock (Zero Mostel), who was once the toast of Broadway, trades sexual favors with old ladies for cash contributions. Max's new accountant Leo Bloom (Gene Wilder), offhandedly muses that if Max found investors for a new production that turned into a flop, he could legally keep all the extra money. The duo begins to put together the worst play possible, titled "Springtime for Hitler", with a terrible director and a hippie-freak star.
Director
Mel Brooks
Producer
Sidney Glazier
Screenwriter
Mel Brooks
Production Co
Crossbow Productions, AVCO Embassy Pictures
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 18, 1968, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 7, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA)
$111.9K
Runtime
1h 28m
Sound Mix
Mono
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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