The Producers by Mel Brooks at Video Hills.com

The Producers

The Producers
by Mel Brooks

Category: VHS Video
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Product details

Actor: Kenneth Mars, William Hickey Dick Shawn
Director: Mel Brooks
Primary Contributor: Gene Wilder Zero Mostel
Producer: Sidney Glazier
Edition: VHS Tape
Audio: English (Unknown)
Format: Color, Full Screen, NTSC
Running Time: 88 unknown-units
Published: 1983
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Publisher: Embassy
Studio: Embassy

VHS Movie Reviews of The Producers

Movie Review: Brilliant comedy featuring world's best scam
Summary: 5 Stars

(Please read the listing for plot details) What makes The Producers unquestionably one of the funniest movies of all time* -- many of which involve a caper of some sort -- is the brilliance of the casting - Zero Mostel's (may he RIP) ability to be cunning, adorable and wanton seemingly all at the same time; the then newly-discovered Gene Wilder demonstrating his brilliant, quavering voice and rubber face of a thousand and one imploring looks; and a strong supporting cast, led by a troupe of elderly ladies who could have held off Patton, bizarrely-outfitted showgirls shipped intact from burlesque and the limpest wrists in the Village.

Add Mel Brooks' completely irreverent script, describing the venality of the theater biz and the seldom-discussed "lighter side" of the Nazi movement (the infamous "Springtime for Hitler") and there's fun for all (well -- not all -- I'd exclude kids under 12, perhaps).

I might also add that the movie ending differs from that of the Broadway show, although not significantly -- so beware of friends bearing spoilers.

As much as I enjoyed the current Broadway production, you'll find that it's basically a prettified version of the movie with dancing and more songs, and despite the considerable talents of Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick, they pale beside Mostel and Wilder. Actually, I was quite disappointed that the musical followed the original movie so slavishly 95% of the time, to the musical's detriment, I think, given that so many people are (or should be) familiar with the movie.

This movie production suffers in only one way: As was the custom in those times, Brooks edited the film to allow for audience laughter in the theater so the next comedic line wouldn't be stepped upon. This means seemingly inexplicable pauses dot the film and tend to make it drag a bit, no pun intended (Blazing Saddles also has this quirk/problem). If you're watching with a group of friends, this won't be noticeable.

Nevertheless, carry on Zero! Carry on Gene! Swing those unbrellas, ladies!

*Along with Some Like It Hot, The Lavendar Hill Mob, Blazing Saddles, The Pink Panther, et al.

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Summary of The Producers

Mel Brooks' hilarious hit about the unscrupulous plot of a legendary producer (Zero Mostel) playing Max Bialystock, a washed up Broadway producer. Leo Bloom (Gene Wilder) is a mousey CPA. When the two meet, their combined expertise points them toward the ultimate scam: raise more money than you need for a SURE Flop Broadway Show. No one will expect anything back and you can pocket the difference. They need the ultimate bad play to do this. They find it in the Musical Springtime for Hitler. Much to their astonishment and horror....Sprintime For Hitler turns out to be ....a WHOPPING SUCCESS !!! It's one laugh after another as Zero Mostel & Gene Wilder despirately try to extricate themselves from the catastrophe caused by their surprise success. Winner of two academy awards and a definite jewel of its time. Dick Shawn and Kenneth Mars also stand out with hugely funny performances. THE PRODUCERS will make you howl with laughter and the Springtime For Hitler number is a cinematic epiphany of humor.

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The Producers