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The Producers (1968)

(1968, Rated NR, Comedy, Starring Gene Wilder, Zero Mostel, Dick Shawn)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Slapstick comedy-musical -- not meant for kids.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 14 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The two leads lie, cheat, and steal from old ladies. While they are punished for their actions, this does not change them in any way.
  • Violence:

    All slapstick.
  • Sex:

    A main character is characterized as being "a gigolo." Female characters are depicted in suggestive costumes. Highly stereotypical depictions of homosexuality.
  • Language:

    Farcical song lyrics deal with racism and anti-semitism.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some drinking, largely without consequences.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Producers (1968)

Parents need to know that this film depicts two con men trying to steal money from elderly women and unsuspecting theatergoers. The Broadway musical featured in the movie comically champions Nazi beliefs and dogma; the song lyrics contain many references to the glory of "the master race" and other aspects of Nazi ideologies. There are several references to sex and the musical features some suggestively clad females on stage. Because the film has been turned into a high-profile Broadway musical and is being remade for the screen with actors Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick, children may be familiar with it and want to see it.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the ethical problems involved in Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom's business practices. Why did they focus their efforts on cheating older women? How did Bialystock convince Bloom to go into business with him? What would you have done if someone offered you a lot of money to cheat others? The content of the play also offers families many opportunities to discuss racism and anti-semitism. Why might some people be offended by the song lyrics, despite their satirical overtones? Furthermore, the director character offers families an opportunity to discuss homosexuality. How does the film portray the character Roger de Bris? Why is he shown wearing a dress? Why might some people be upset about that?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Missouri
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    you HAVE to see this

    Mel Brooks is Awesome!

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 3.0

    The remake is SO much better

    This looks positively archaic compared to the (fabulous) musical remake that just came out recently. The plot is there, and there is some humor, but the new one is SO much better compared to this. I watched this one because I am such a fan of the new one and was disappointed. All the lines are basically the same, but this one is so stylized it's hard to believe. This one is more appropriate, but for older viewers, the new one is the choice to make. Gene Wilder is good, but Matthew Broderick outshines him in all areas. Overall: OK, but the remake is the best.

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    Classic & FUNNY satire from Mel Brooks!

    Zero Mostel, Gene Wilder, Mel Brooks at their satiric and quirky best!! Those with zero tolerance for humor that crosses the line (effeminate gay humor, Nazis) may want to give it a miss. But this is brilliant film comedy, that in many ways will seem tame when compared with today's over-the-top standards. No nudity, and most (if not all) of the sex humor will go over the heads of younger viewers.

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