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By
TERESSA ELLIOTT
Lots of people are now familiar with "The Producers" because of its smash Broadway run. Not as
many people are familiar with the film "The Producers" on which the play was based. Hopefully, "The Producers" on DVD
will bring the film a wider audience.
Mel Brooks' directorial debut is laugh out loud funny--primarily because it's so audacious. A down-and-out Broadway
producer, Max Bialystock (Zero Mostel) and accountant Leo Bloom (Gene Wilder) hatch an outrageous scheme: purposely put
on a Broadway flop, then pocket the seed money when there aren't any profits to disperse. Of course, things don't work
out as planned, but Max and Leo can be forgiven for thinking their scheme would work. Who could foresee that "Springtime
for Hitler" would do well?
The performances are first-rate; especially Gene Wilder as the hysterical Leo. Wilder is funny just reacting onscreen to
the nonsense surrounding him. The play within the film is hysterical as well--goosestepping showgirls, a stoned
Hitler--who could think up such things?
All this could only come from the comic genius of Mel Brooks. For audiences that only know Brooks as the auteur of
"Spaceballs" and "A History of the World, Part 1," "The Producers" will be a pleasant surprise. While the slapstick and
lunacy are still there, in "The Producers" the punchlines hit their mark every time and the mere idea of "Springtime for
Hitler" is inspired.
The extras on the DVD are merely adequate, with the exception of a splendid making-of documentary. Brooks, Wilder, and
other cast and crew members talk about how the film almost didn't get made and then talk with true affection for the
film that did get made. After watching the film, you will speak with the same affection for this essential, classic
comedy. |
