I Want Everything I've Ever Seen In the Movies!

Before it was a movie, before it was on Broadway . . . it was a movie. Mel Brooks' original 1968 version of The Producers is one of my favorite comedies. Zero Mostel is big, broad, and outrageous as Max Bialystock, a producer who is reduced to conning little old ladies to make a living. Gene Wilder is small, timid, and sympathetic as Leo Bloom, an insecure accountant. They play off each other like Laurel and Hardy, hilarious and touching. You probably know the plot. They come up with a plan to make a million on Broadway by producing a guaranteed flop. To this end they must find the worst play, the worst director, and the worst actors in the world. They settle on "Springtime For Hitler," a gay romp with Adolf and Eva at Berchtesgaden.

Top 10 reasons you should rush right out and see The Producers:
1. Zero Mostel's face.
2. Leo Bloom discovering that for the first time in his life, he is happy.
3. Ulla working.
4. A production number that will live in infamy.
5. White white white is the color of our carpet.
6. Don't be stupid, be a schmarty.
7. L.S.D.
8. Prisoners of Love.
9. Ulla working. Yes, I know I already listed it. But it bears repeating.
10. No. It's too good.

Tasteless, touching, and after all these years still one of my favorites.