The Producers
dir. Mel Brooks · 1968
Feature
Artistic Obsession
Mood
Comedic
Look
vibrant, theatrical, and exaggerated
Structure
episodic with a focus on character-driven antics
Plot
Down-on-his-luck theatrical producer Max Bialystock is forced to romance rich old ladies to finance his efforts. When timid accountant Leo Bloom reviews Max's accounting books, the two hit upon a way to make a fortune by producing a sure-fire flop. The play which is to be their gold mine? "Springtime for Hitler."
Why watch
"The Producers" is a riotous romp through the absurdities of theatrical ambition, where a failed producer and a timid accountant concoct a scheme to profit from a guaranteed flop. With its sharp satire and vibrant musical numbers, this film is a celebration of chaos and creativity that will leave you laughing and questioning the boundaries of art.
Cultural context
1960s countercultureBroadway's golden ageJewish humor in American cinema