The Producers (1968)

Mel Brooks first movie is a delightful 1960's Romp

Newcomer Gene Wilder in his first hit movie plays the foil (fool?) to Zero Mostel's cagey, corrupt and over-the-hill broadway producer.

For fans of Mel Brooks you see the first glimpses of his movie madness and genius. Brooks pens some of the most absurd and hilarious songs ever written, and directs over the tops performances by each and every cast member.

Some might say the movie is perhaps a bit "dated" for younger audiences, but that didn't seem to deter laughs from the teens and youngsters at my viewing. I guess zany comedies reach across the generations. October 21, 2008

A must-have for your video library

"The Producers", the original, is a must-have for your video library! Classic performances by Gene Wilder, Zero Mostel and Dick Shaun make this film, which enjoyed a sort of cult classic following until they made it into a Broadway musical, a completely satisfying experience for the viewer interested in laughing, thinking and singing along. When I first saw the film back in the late '70s, I was struck dumb by the musical within the story, until I realized what irony was, that is. Mel Brookes at his very best, working with the very best, nurturing the very best. The stereotypes, the caricatures, and the very real situations presented will leave a lifelong impression on you. Everytime you hear the term "concierge", for instance, you will immediately start the routine, "I'm the concierge. My husband used to be the concierge but he's dead, so now I'm the concierge..." It's been 20 years since I've seen that scene, but it has remained in my "filing cabinet" of memorable lines ever since!

Don't hesitate to buy this movie! You'll laugh your patooty off, break out into song at work, and will enjoy this movie that has withstood the test of time. Hey, they didn't turn "Showgirls" into a Broadway musical for a reason, right? October 3, 2008

Shelf life wasn't all that.

I bought this to share with my adult children. My memory of the film, which I saw first run back when it was newly released, was far better than the actual movie seemed this time around.

Funny how tastes change.

Still, the last bit of the film and the Broadway play that results from the film's set up, is pretty funny.



October 1, 2008

First Class Comedy

This is Mel Brooks debut film as a director, and its amongst his very best work. Of his other films only Young Frankenstein is in the class IMO. From its marvellous opening credit sequence right through to the end this maintains a very high standard of comedy. Fortunately for Mel Brooks he was lucky enough to get Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder in the two leading roles. They both give outstanding performances which are very nearly matched by Kenneth Mars. He plays 'Franz Liebkind' the writer of a musical that both Max and Leo (Mostel and Wilder) believe will fail horribly and make them a fortune. Of course not everything goes quite to plan and the rest you should see for yourself.

The extras in this two disc edition are very good. The original statement from Peter Sellers after he first saw The Producers is read. Sellers described it as "the ultimate film....". Later Sellers used a large chunk of Liebkinds dialogue in a famous interview on the Parkinson show in the UK. There is a 63 minute documentary on the making of The Producers and some outtakes as well.

I picked this 2 disc edition up very cheaply, so look around as there is no need to pay full price. Overall an excellent film that would probably have got 4.5 stars from if it was possible. September 24, 2008

Zero Mostel at his funniest

Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder scheme to collect money from investors for a play.They come to the conclusion that by producing a flop they can keep the money for themselves. Of course the opposite turns out be true.Their play "Springtime for Hitler" becomes a smash hit and they are in trouble.
Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder as Max Bialystok and Leo Blum are a comedy team that is unsurpassed. August 30, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...