Parents' Guide to

The Producers (1968)

By Hollis Griffin, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Slapstick musical has stereotypes, mature content.

Movie PG 1968 90 minutes
The Producers (1968) Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 14+

Based on 1 parent review

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!
See all 1 parent review

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?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (7 ):

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

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