The Producers (1968)

Movie review by Hollis Griffin, Common Sense Media
The Producers (1968) Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 14+

Slapstick comedy-musical -- not meant for kids.

NR 1968 90 minutes
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Parents say

age 14+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 13+

Based on 10 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

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.

Community Reviews

BestPicture1996
BestPicture1996 Adult
March 17, 2014
age 14+

Bawdy and in bad taste...in the best way!

What fun it is to see the tale Mel Brooks spun, and to still enjoy it all these decades later! Still offensive in its own right, especially when you see that establishing shot of all the various auditioning Hitlers prancing around and doing the Nazi salute! It's gutsy, bold, a revelation for its time as a comedy, and features two great leading performances from Mostel and Wilder, both frantic, zany leads that couldn't be more perfect for the part!

This title has:

Too much sex
dbrenner23
dbrenner23 Adult
April 9, 2008
not rated for age

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.
See all 2 parent reviews

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?

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.

Talk to Your Kids 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?

Movie Details

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