... What's a dishonest man to do to make a little cash?
The remake roundabout makes a convoluted stop with a film remake of a stage musical of a film. Broadway director Susan Stroman makes her movie debut with this adaptation of the play that made her name. She feels far too attached to the ... Read review
The film-of-the-musical-of-the-film,The Producersunites the hit Broadway pairing of Nathan ... more
Lane and Matthew Broderick, drafts in Uma Thurman, and somewhere along the way loses half the fun that made the original movie and the Broadway show such a succe...
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The film-of-the-musical-of-the-film,The Producersunites the hit Broadway pairing of Nathan ... more
Lane and Matthew Broderick, drafts in Uma Thurman, and somewhere along the way loses half the fun that made the original movie and the Broadway show such a succe...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Bringing the Tony Award Winning musical on to the big screen. New York 1959. Max ... more
Bialystock was once the king of Broadway but now all his shows close on opening night. Things turn around when he's visited by the neurotic accountant Leo Bloom who pr...
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From the genius mind of Mel Brooks, comes the motion picture release of the ... more
record-breaking Tony Award-Winning musical stage show hit, starring Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick, Uma Thurman and Will Ferrell.A down on his luck producer (Lane) and his accountant (Broderick) plot a get rich quick scheme. If they raise money to invest in a play that is a guaranteed flop, they will be raking the money in. The two proceed to find the worst play ever written, obtain a large number of investors, hire a lead actor and director with absolutely no talent, and then sit back to wait for the bad reviews.The plan is faultless ... at least they think so!
Being A Broadway Producer Is Probably The Last Refuge Of The Unskilled Laborer, And ... more
Foremost Amongst ThisGroup Is One Max Bialystock (ZERO MOSTEL). Max Dreams Fondly Of Those Halcyon Days When He Was KingOf Broadway. Now He Is King Of The Flops. In Only One Area Is The Old Bialystock Skill Still In Evidence His Uncanny Ability To Raise Money. Enter Leo (GENE WILDER) A Mild-Mannered Accountant Who UnwittinglyReveals To Bialystock That Given The Right Circumstances, A Producer Could Make More Money With A Flop Than With A Hit. Instantly Bialystock Is Excited To Action, Dragging A Reluctant Leo Along With Him.All They Need To Make The Plan Work Is A Show That Will Be A Surefire Disaster.Surely The Musical 'Springtime For Hitler' Must Be Just That-Mustn't It?An All-Time Classic, THE PRODUCERS Is One Of The Zaniest And Most Memorable Comedies Ever Made.
Down on his luck Broadway producer Max Bialystock (Zero Mostel) and his high-strung ... more
accountant Leo Bloom (Gene Wilder) discover that, with the help of a few gullible investors, they can make more money on a flop than on a hit!Armed with the worst show ever written Springtime for Hitler and an equally horrific cast, this double-dealing duo is banking on a disaster. But when their sure-to-offend musical becomes a surprise smash hit, they find themselves in the middle of a Broadway blitzkrieg!
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring: Christopher Ettridge, Victor McGuire, Emma Amos, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Elizabeth Carling
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Tessa Peake-Jones, Buster Merryfield, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst
Comedy - Director: Richard Boden, Mandie Fletcher, Martin Shardlow - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Hugh Laurie, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Fry, Brian Blessed, Tim McInnerny, Tony Robinson, Rowan Atkinson
Advantages: Great song and dance routines and a marvellous central performance from Lane Disadvantages: A touch too stagey and a less endearing turn from Broderick
...Bloom, he sets about finding the worst play in history, planning to pocket all the money the moment it closes. Luckily he finds "Springtime for Hitler" - the most tasteless musical ever created. But even with a hopeless cast he finds himself with an unexpected hit on his hands. What's a dishonest man to do to make a little cash?
The remake roundabout makes a convoluted stop with a film remake of a stage musical of a film. ... ...adaptation of the play that made her name. She feels far too attached to the stage conventions of the piece. Instead of making the most of what film can offer her, she is intent on keeping everything as close to the theatre version as possible. So it never feels like the world of the play exists; there are too many sets that are clearly built on soundstages. The costumes are gaudy stage-friendly confections and the performances tend towards the stagy. ... more
Unscrupulous Broadway producer Max Bialystock discovers he can make more money with a flop than a hit. So with bumbling accountant Leo Bloom, he sets about finding the worst play in history, planning to pocket all the money the moment it closes. Luckily he finds "Springtime for Hitler" - the most tasteless musical ever created. But even with a hopeless cast he finds himself with an unexpected hit on his hands. What's a dishonest man to do to make a little cash?
The remake roundabout makes a convoluted stop with a film remake of a stage musical of a film. Broadway director Susan Stroman makes her movie debut with this adaptation of the play that made her name. She feels far too attached to the stage conventions of the piece. Instead of making the most of what film can offer her, she is intent on keeping everything as close to the theatre version as possible. So it never feels like the world of the play exists; there are too many sets that are clearly built on soundstages. The costumes are gaudy stage-friendly confections and the performances tend towards the stagy. So it often feels as though you'd be better off nipping down to the West End instead of watching it on the big screen. Ms Stroman has a strong handle on the song-and-dance numbers that are shot with real verve. There's a kind of Busby Berkeley charm to them that relates to the 1950s setting of the movie. There are huge chorus numbers that rely on precise choreography and amazingly clever sets. The number in an accountancy firm is particularly nicely arranged, with the walls opening up to reveal an entire troupe of dancing girls. There is also a great sequence featuring dozens of dancers dressed as little old ladies, doing a tap dance complete with zimmer frames. The "Springtime for Hitler" sequences are a special joy. However, by making the imaginary musical look so attractive, it makes the behind the scenes shenanigans far less appealing. Plus it is over two hours long, making it feel as though it's dragging at times. Mel Brooks even cameos as the voices of Hilda the pigeon and Tom the cat. So it's a faithful but not necessarily essential addition to the film musical canon.
The screenplay by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan relies on a traditional theatre musical narrative. It uses songs to illustrate, but not necessarily advance the story. Many of them are employed to show the attitudes and beliefs of the protagonists and thus build the characterisation that is otherwise missing. In many terms the characters are stock musical theatre roles, without much to flesh them out. Everyone feels like a stereotype; the nervy Leo, greedy Max, ditzy Ulla, sex crazed grannies and screamingly camp, cross-dressing gay theatre folk. But each role has its own internal consistency, so just about hangs together. However, the film is helped inordinately by the sharp script. It's essentially a grab-bag of jokes, but the hit ratio is surprisingly high. Most of the comedy is classic Mel Brooks' fare, which means that it may not be highbrow or clever, but it is generally funny, even if it relies on innuendo an awful lot. The majority of it depends on the delivery and with consummate scene stealer Nathan Lane at the helm it works (mainly because of his splendid timing). Who else could get away with the line "Do I smell the revolting stench of self esteem?!?"
Nathan Lane is an actor equally well suited to film and stage work. He knows how to work the camera in the same way as a live audience and how to adjust his performance according to the medium in which he is working. He has a tendency towards theatricality anyway, but though his version of Max Bialystock is fabulously over the top, it isn't too big for the screen. His comic timing is wonderful as always, knowing just how to hold a pause for effect. He's very skilled at slapstick, as you'd expect from a man with such a long career in musical theatre. Though he may not have the strongest voice in the world, he can certainly get his message across. He also has a nice snap to his dance steps that keeps him a step ahead of his co-stars.
I've got to say I'm not convinced by Matthew Broderick's performance as Leo Bloom. He may have played the character on Broadway to great acclaim but he hasn't scaled down his performance sufficiently for it so be suitable for the screen. The problem is that his tics are too big to convince and they jar with his otherwise bland characterisation. I'm not sure if it's a character choice, but his yammering and boggle-eyed staring become deeply irritating. He's a competent dancer and an adequate singer, but can't compete with Lane and he lacks the necessary chemistry with Ulla.
Uma Thurman acquits herself well as Scandinavian temptress Ulla. She's a spirited sex kitten with an accent you could cut with a knife; she certainly has the physical va-va-voom to attract attention. However, she is not as gifted as her co-stars when it comes to musical theatre skills. At times you can see her counting her dance steps under her breath. Will Ferrell is something of a surprise as lunatic German writer Franz Liebkind. His performance owes a great deal to Peter Sellers' turn as Dr Strangelove. It's a combination of insanity, excessive energy and shouty Cherman accent. He has a surprisingly good singing voice and is able in terms of simple dance routines. But his manic persona is ideally suited to the slapstick requirements of the script.
The songs throughout are old-fashioned music hall and music theatre number in many ways. They generally feature full orchestral backing and choral interludes in glorious stereo. You know the direction it's going in from the big brassy intro "Opening Night". It's nice to see someone willing to splash out on a traditional big musical theatre sound. There's nothing subtle about the tunes or the lyrics (you only have to look at "Keep It Gay" for proof), but they are joyously unapologetic and belted out with real energy by the cast. There are plenty of toe-tapping numbers that will stay in your head for days after seeing the film, from "I Want to Be a Producer" and "Guten Tag Hop Clop" to "Springtime for Hitler".
There are some really nice aspects to the production design. The breakaway set for "I Want to Be a Producer" is beautifully designed and moves with real fluidity. Similarly the sets and costumes for "Springtime for Hitler" are splendidly realised. However, my favourite bit of technical jiggery-pokery is Franz Liebkind's animatronic pigeons, capable of pigeon coop dancing and the odd Nazi salute. There is a nice attention to detail; from the posters of Max's previous productions ("King Leer", "The Breaking Wind") to the clutter in his office cum apartment.
"The Producers" is a bit of a cinematic odd fish. It is entertaining and features a splendid central performance from consummate ham Nathan Lane. But it would have been nice if director Susan Stroman could have divorced herself more from the stage version of the show and given it a wider and frankly more cinematic scope. It's a very good advert for the West End musical but it rarely feels like more than a filmed version of a stage production. And when compared with Brooks' film original, it doesn't quite have the same comedic snap or glee in controversy. Still, if you like musicals, it's definitely worth a watch.
Advantages: Light-hearted, brash, funny in places - great for fans of musical theatre Disadvantages: Over-acted, poor soundtrack, too long
...it did my viewing of the outstanding 'Brokeback Mountain' (also reviewed on Ciao by myself). I was hoping for a laugh-out-loud comedy to lighten the mood after feeling fairly crushed from the forementioned film, and lighten the mood this film certainly did. However, laugh-out-loud it was not, and coupled with other short-comings it proved to be a disappointment all round.
Written by Mel Brooks and based on the original award-winning musical, 'The ... ...Bialystock's rather corrupt accounts. The story evolves when during his accounting, Bloom has a flighty notion that a Broadway flop could actually make more money than a hit. This idea is pounced upon by the morally slack Bialystock, who insists he can make Bloom's secret dream to become a Broadway producer a reality. The opening of the film left me cold, instantly launching into a twee number in true 50's Broadway style - that may appeal to many, ...
katyparles 05.05.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Producers (DVD)
Advantages: Encouraged me to see the stage play Disadvantages: A bit too theatrical for a film
...who suggests that they raise the cash for a play that they know will be hugely unpopular, then pocket the surplus cash once the play has closed. And they think they have found their perfect potential flop in 'Springtime for Hitler', written by Franz Liebkind, a Nazi. Will Bialystock and Bloom be successful in their attempt to fail? Will Bialystock be as rich as he has dreamed of? And will Leo Bloom finally find happiness and a woman to love? I should ... ...seen the stage version of The Producers, or the original film written and directed by Mel Brooks back in 1968, and so cannot comment on the similarities/differences between them.
Nathan Lane plays Max Bialystock in the film, having successfully played him in the stage version. I was a bit taken aback by his performance to be honest. It is hugely theatrical, so much so that I felt it was too over-the-top for a film, and I think it should have been ...
sunmeilan 12.09.2008 (13.09.2008)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Producers (DVD)
Advantages: Strong vocals and musical leads Disadvantages: Missing a certain sparkle
The Producers is one of those films that I've wanted to see for a long time. I can't to be honest think why this is the case but it is and so when I noticed it whilst out shopping the other day I simply had to buy it. Now I knew upon purchasing the film that I was going to be a musical style film with a good helping of humour and to be fair that is what I received. I must say however, and this is reflected in my rating of the film, that I was expecting ... ...just wasn't there. The Producers tells the story of Leo Bloom an accountant and a down on his luck producer Max Bialystock who despite Leo's initial reluctance plot a somewhat bent get rich scheme. This scheme however will only succeed if the play that they produce is a complete flop. The money they have then raised to invest in the play will be theirs and they'll be raking it in.
With this in mind the pair go on a hunt to find the worst play ever ...
MI9to5 23.09.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Producers (DVD)
Advantages: Remains faithful to the original script Disadvantages: Performances compare badly with the originals
...reasons, a: because I loved the original too much and, b: because the idea of a film of a Broadway show based on a film about a Broadway show seemed too convoluted an idea to get my head around. Curiosity finally got the better of me and I bought it. The DVD comes in a cardboard slipcase, presumably to justify the higher than average price tag. Aside from the film, the single disk contains the usual extras - making of featurette, the ubiquitous unfunny ... ...nothing ground breaking here.
The film.
Mel Brooks' storyline revolves around a down-at-heel producer played by Nathan Lane and his nervous accountant (Matthew Broderick) who hit on the notion that there is more quick money to be made in a Broadway flop than in a successful play. Naturally things don't go quite to plan.
After the opening number I was relieved to see that the movie follows the original Mel Brooks script. I was also struck by the ...
steadymarvin 18.10.2006 (24.10.2006)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of The Producers (DVD)
Advantages: Fantastic score written by Mel Brooks Disadvantages: Matthew Broderick and co-'stars'
The Producers won a record number of nominations for Tony's when it first arrived on Broadway, and they were well deserved. Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick, playing Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom respectively, were both nominated for their parts. However, the transition to Hollywood blockbuster is nowhere near the peak of the stage show. Nathan Lane is as ever, the huge personality he forever will be, but was let down by one of the worst performance ... ...as well have phoned the performance in. His character is a small nervous man sure, but Broderick looked uncomfortable and as if he had half-forgotten the script. Many of the emotional scenes wer eplain embarassing to watch. If you want to enjoy the Producers, then buy the DVD of the Album recording, or the original broadway album album itself, both are superb pieces of work, and shine out above this half-baked adaptation. ...
Stuharding 03.06.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of The Producers (DVD)
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Advantages: Another classy Mel Brooks comedy Disadvantages: Not for the easily offended
Just one of many classic lines from this movie (which will mean nothing to those who haven’t seen it) – it’s all I can do to not transcribe the entire script as my op, as this really does speak for itself. Well, not completely, hence me writing this. ANYWAY.
For those secluded from classic comedy, this is one of the all time greats (up there with A Day At The Races and Withnail & I), but under recognised due to Mel Brooks’ career, which is patchier than a balding man’s scalp. This was Brooks’ first gig outside television show scripting, and for a 33 year old film (made in 1968, year fans!) it hasn’t weathered a jot.
***THE PLOT***
Destitute Broadway show producer Max Bialystock (the late, great Zero Mostel) has been reduced to sleeping with octogenarian women for cash. The self ...
Advantages: One of the funniest film's i've ever seen! Disadvantages: none
Of all of Mel Brooks's famous works, this has to be the most popular, or probably ought to be.
The film tells the story of a failing Broadway producer, Max Bialystock, and his accountant Leo Bloom, who set about producing the biggest theatrical flop in history, so that they can raise an excessive amount of cash for the production, and keep the remainder when it closes (on opening night, they hope). Bialystock raises the money from "little old ladies" in exchange for sexual favours and by promising them rediculous proportions of the profits.
To ensure that the production is a complete disaster, they look for the worst play ever written, which they find in "Springtime for Hitler : A gay romp with Adolph and Eva". They secure performance rights from the author, a Nazi bird-keeper who still wears his tin helmet, and must then seek ...
Advantages: Zero Mostel Disadvantages: You will be singing some of the songs in the street
Simply the best Mel brooks film ever the rest of his moves pale into insignificance compared to this one.
Max Bialystock (Zero Mostel) is a broadway producer, who was once at the top of his trade. Now he makes second rate musicals funded by rich and amoros old ladies. His accountant Leo Bloom (Gene Wilder) discovers certain irregularities in Max's accounts, Max instructs him to hide them. From this Leo forms the idea that you can make more money from a flop on broadway than from a success, as the backers will never be paid if it flops. The only problem being that if they have a success then they will go straight to Jail as it would be impossible to pay off the backers. Leo is reluctantley persuaided to go along with Max's plan and the search is on for a sure fire flop, which the find in a play entiled "Springtime for Hitler" which was ...
Contains mild sex references, language and violence
Video Category
Feature Film
Plot
This remake of Mel Brooks' 1968 film features Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick in the roles that they originated in the smash Broadway adaptation of the original film. Broadway producer Max Bialystock (Lane) is famous for his spectacular opening night flops. Leopold Bloom (Broderick) is an uptight accountant who virtually discovers gold while reviewing Max's books. When Leo realises that you can actually make more money with a flop than with a hit, the two team up and begin a search for both the worst script and the worst director they can find to ensure failure. The script selection seems easy when the duo stumble upon SPRINGTIME FOR HITLER, an homage to the Fuhrer penned by Franz Liebkind (Will Ferrell), a German sympathetic to the Nazi cause. Convinced that the script will incite outrage, the duo needs a bad director to seal the deal. Campy director Roger DeBris (Gary Beach) and his assistant (Roger Bart) fit the bill perfectly. But when their scheme fails, Max and Leo find themselves with the worst possible outcome: a hit. To make matters worse, Franz is just a little peeved that Hitler was depicted disrespectfully and he has a gun. Will Max and Leo survive the playwright's wrath? Will they go to jail for cooking the books? And will Leo ever submit to the advances of sexy Swedish receptionist/actress Ulla (Uma Thurman)? Directed by stage director Susan Stroman, making her feature film directorial debut, this riotous romp features lots of laughs from the major players, as well as brief appearances by Jon Lovitz, Michael McKean, and Richard Kind. Lane and Broderick make it easy to understand why the show was an unprecedented hit on Broadway, and Ferrell is a scene-stealer as Liebkind.
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
SONY PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT; CINRAM LOGISTICS, MOMENTUM PICTURES; TECHNICOLOR DISTRIBUTION SERVICES, OPTIMUM HOME ENTERTAINMENT; ELEVATION SALES; TECHNICOLOR DISTRIBUTION SERVICES
Featurette, Blooper Reel, Deleted Scenes, Director Commentary, Audio Described, None
Aspect Ratio
2.40 Anamorphic Wide Screen, 1.78 Wide Screen
Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital Stereo
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1 English, Dolby Digital Stereo English
Professional reviews
Review
Hilarious (The Sun, )
Award information
OSCAR
Best Screenplay Written Directly For The Screen 1969 (Mel Brooks)
DVD Description
This remake of Mel Brooks' 1968 film features Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick in the roles that they originated in the smash Broadway adaptation of the original film. Broadway producer Max Bialystock (Lane) is famous for his spectacular opening night flops. Leopold Bloom (Broderick) is an uptight accountant who virtually discovers gold while reviewing Max's books. When Leo realises that you can actually make more money with a flop than with a hit, the two team up and begin a search for both the worst script and the worst director they can find to ensure failure. The script selection seems easy when the duo stumble upon SPRINGTIME FOR HITLER, an homage to the Fuhrer penned by Franz Liebkind (Will Ferrell), a German sympathetic to the Nazi cause. Convinced that the script will incite outrage, the duo needs a bad director to seal the deal. Campy director Roger DeBris (Gary Beach) and his assistant (Roger Bart) fit the bill perfectly. But when their scheme fails, Max and Leo find themselves with the worst possible outcome: a hit. To make matters worse, Franz is just a little peeved that Hitler was depicted disrespectfully and he has a gun. Will Max and Leo survive the playwright's wrath? Will they go to jail for cooking the books? And will Leo ever submit to the advances of sexy Swedish receptionist/actress Ulla (Uma Thurman)? Directed by stage director Susan Stroman, making her feature film directorial debut, this riotous romp features lots of laughs from the major players, as well as brief appearances by Jon Lovitz, Michael McKean, and Richard Kind. Lane and Broderick make it easy to understand why the show was an unprecedented hit on Broadway, and Ferrell is a scene-stealer as Liebkind.
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