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The Producers (1968) (NR, 1968)

common sense media says

Slapstick comedy-musical -- not meant for kids.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

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.

Positive 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 applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Some drinking, largely without consequences.
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More on The Producers (1968)

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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?

What's the story?

What's the story?
A slapstick comedy-musical starring Gene Wilder, THE PRODUCERS features two con artist/Broadway producers who plot to swindle old women into financing the most awful musical ever staged. Their ultimate goal is to have the musical bomb, pocket all of the receipts, and then disappear to a beach in Rio de Janeiro. To make this dream a reality, Max Bialystock (Zero Mostel) and Leo Bloom choose an offensive Nazi love story penned by a German madman, and select a no-talent gay director in order to ensure that the musical flops. The result is "Springtime for Hitler," an absurd musical extravaganza that features scantily clad Bavarian women and a dancing chorus comprised of Nazi soldiers.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
There are moments of this movie that are so bizarre that they are nothing short of hilarious. Nevertheless, appreciating this humor requires that viewers be able to identify the parodic quality of the staged musical. The film allows many opportunities for families to discuss the stereotyped portrayals of various characters, for example, the play's gay director and Bialystock's seemingly, Swedish sex kitten secretary. The moral implications of deceiving others and the potential fallout of going after a quick buck are also good discussion points.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: MGM/UA
Director: Mel Brooks
Cast: Dick Shawn, Gene Wilder, Zero Mostel
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 90 minutes
Theatrical release: November 10, 1968
DVD release: September 2, 2003
MPAA Rating: NR
This review was written by Hollis Griffin
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

animalloverkt
adult
 
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.
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MissGrace4
teen, 14 years old
11
 
Not As Bad As It Seems
I've been watching this move since I was like 7 (although I couldn't understand most of it), so it's not that bad. There are a little sexual things, but nothing explicit.
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Katy0
teen, 17 years old
13
 
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dbrenner23
adult
 
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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wookiepie93
teen, 18 years old
 
you HAVE to see this
Mel Brooks is Awesome!
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hamstergurl09
teen, 17 years old
13
 
Classic Mel Brooks Film
This is a classic comedy film. It's very clever and original. Although I think the musical version of this is better, this is still funny. I recommend it.
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