'The Producers'

Makes Easy Transition to Big Screen

 Jennifer Conlee, co-news editor

If you take the worst play ever written, the worst director in New York City, and a full cast of horrible actors, you should get the worst flop on Broadway. 

At least, that was the thinking of Max Bialystock in the recently released movie-version of “The Producers.”

Bialystock (Nathan Lane) is a down-on-his-luck, has-been producer who can’t seem to get a hit any more.  The public can’t stand his recent plays.  Then, along comes Leo Bloom (Matthew Broderick), a depressed, panic-prone accountant who realizes that Max could make more money producing a flop than a hit.  Without intending to go through with it, Leo mistakenly mentions this to the greedy Max, who instantly states that he “can’t do it,” and goes back to his humdrum life.

However, Leo realizes that this could be the way he could make his dreams come true, and decides to “get on the world” for the ride of his life.

Their plan was simple.  Step one was to find the worst play. Enter comedian Will Ferrel, who plays the German Neo-Nazi Franz Liebkind.  Franz has written a play that should prove to be offensive and vulgar, something no one would like.  “Springtime for Hitler” is a musical that supports and applauds Adolf Hitler, and Max and Leo just knew that audiences would hate it.

Step two: hire the worst director in town: Roger De Bris, a man who claims that to have a hit on stage, one must “keep it gay.”  Played by Gary Beach, his role proves to be one of the funniest in the show.

Next comes step three: raise $2 million.  (“$2 million?” “Yes, one for me and one for you.  There are a lot of little old ladies out there.”)  To do this, Max put on his best airs and seduced dozens of little old ladies, who are all in love with him.  The ladies provide the money, which Max and Leo hoped to take to Rio when the play failed miserably.

Step four was to hire the worst actors (which included Liebkind as Hitler), and to open on Broadway. The plan was working right up until Liebkind breaks his leg (which is why you should “never say good luck on opening night,” even if you want the play to flop.)  De Bris takes on the role of Hitler, turning the play into a mockery of Hitler instead, and the musical becomes a surprise hit (“We did everything wrong.  Where did we go right?”).

Step five (running off to Rio with the money) never happens, at least for Max, whose account books are discovered by the police.  While he watches someone else’s life flash before his eyes, Leo and Ulla (Uma Thurman), the beautiful Swedish chorus girl/office assistant, go to Rio and get married. 

Max is certain that Leo has forgotten about him, but his faithful new friend shows up on court day, and the pair end up in prison together.  However, all is not lost.  They, along with Liebkind, are released from jail and soon become the biggest trio on Broadway.

Broderick and Lane are phenomenal together.  The two, who began playing the duo on Broadway, are also known for their roles in “The Odd Couple,” a Broadway show that sold out before it even began.  Their rapport makes the musical even better.

Also starring in the movie is Roger Bart as Carmen Ghia, De Bris’s assistant. Bart recently completed his run on ABC’s hit show, “Desperate Housewives.”

“The Producers” which has grossed more than $17 million, is one of the funniest shows to hit theatres in years. Unlike its counterpart on stage in New York City, it is actually possible to get tickets to the show. The movie is rated PG 13 for sexuality and language.  I give “The Producers” 5 out of 5 jalepenos. 

However, because of the strong topics that are breached in the movie (such as sexuality and neo-naziism) I would not recommend it for young children.  Just remember, “There’s nothing like a show on Broadway.”