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The Producers (1968)
By Hollis Griffin,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Slapstick musical has stereotypes, mature content.

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The Producers (1968)
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Based on 1 parent review
Bawdy and in bad taste...in the best way!
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What's the Story?
In THE PRODUCERS, two Broadway con men plot to swindle wealthy older women into financing a surefire flop so that they can pocket the investment money and retire to a beach in Rio de Janeiro. Max (Zero Mostel) and Leo (Gene Wilder) choose an offensive Nazi love story -- Springtime for Hitler -- and a director who adapts it into a gaudy musical that will surely be laughed off stage and closed down on opening night. But will it?
Is It Any Good?
Moments in this movie are so bizarre that they fall nothing short of hilarious. Nevertheless, appreciating the humor of The Producers requires that viewers understand the parody of the staged musical. Director Mel Brooks won an Oscar for writing the multilayered production, and Mostel and Wilder both give fantastic performances -- Wilder was also nominated for his supporting role. And the film certainly offers a starting point for discussion around the stereotyped portrayals of various characters -- for example, the play's gay director and Max's Swedish secretary, as well as the German playwright and the Nazi references that follow. The moral implications of deceiving others and the potential fallout of going after a quick buck are also good discussion points.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the ethical implications of Max and Leo's business in The Producers. Is it ever OK to make money cheating others?
Discuss stereotypes in the film. What stereotypes can you see, and what are some of the problems with playing into them?
The movie parodies aspects of the Nazi regime and antisemitism. How did you feel about the portrayal? Why might some people find it offensive? Do you think it crosses a line? Can you think of other comedies that tread a fine line when it comes to taste?
Movie Details
- In theaters: November 10, 1968
- On DVD or streaming: September 2, 2003
- Cast: Dick Shawn , Gene Wilder , Zero Mostel
- Director: Mel Brooks
- Studio: MGM/UA
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Music and Sing-Along
- Run time: 90 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- Award: Academy Award
- Last updated: July 23, 2023
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