The Producers

Filmed over thirty years before Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick starred in the smash hit remake based on the Broadway show, The Producers remains "one of the funniest movies ever made." (Roger Ebert) 

The unforgettable Zero Mostel stars as Max Bialystock, a conniving, washed-up Broadway producer, who determines in consultation with his mild-mannered accountant Leo Bloom (Gene Wilder, in one of his first comedic roles) that he can make more money with a flop than a hit. Their plan? To convince charming wealthy old biddies to invest in an overbudget production, then put on a sure-fire disaster, so nobody will ask for their money back — and what's more disastrous than a tasteless musical celebrating Adolf Hitler.

With a chorus line of jackbooted frauleins and lyrics like "Don’t be stupid, be a smarty! Come and join the Nazi Party!," Bialystock settles back to wait for the fall and collect his cash, but "Springtime for Hitler" is an unexpected hit!

With unforgettable performances by Mostel and Wilder, The Producers is frenzied, audacious, achingly funny, and Mel Brooks at his very best.

Part of our "Happy Birthday, Mel Brooks!" series. Courtesy: Rialto Pictures

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