Producers, The MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +2 Content: -2

Mel Brooks brings his Tony-Award-winning musical comedy to the big screen along with Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane, both stars of the Broadway version. Max Bialystock (Lane) is a hopeless producer of Broadway flops that continue to close down after opening night. The broke Max eventually teams with his terrified accountant, Leo Bloom (Broderick), in a get-rich-quick scheme. Their devious plan is to have old women bank roll his next effort to the tune of $2 million. To embezzle the money, all they need is the worst play and the worst director and cast. When the play closes down after one night, they will take $1 million each and head to Brazil. They find the perfect play, Springtime for Hitler written by neo-Nazi Franz Liebkind (Will Ferrell), and the perfect gay staff the perfect combination to offend any Broadway audience. Their dreams of a disaster will certainly come true on opening night or will they?

The Producers has repeated sexual humor and many homosexual references. The two producers hire the beautiful Ulla (Uma Thurman) as an actress but, until they begin rehearsals, tell her that they have a position for her as a secretary. Max adds, Actually, we might have several positions for you. They are overjoyed after they hear that her daily schedule includes sex at 11 a.m. Their excitement at that news prevents them from standing up as they both look down at their crotch. The director of the play is gay as is his staff. One member of his team wears tight pants that enhance his large genitals. Springtime for Hitler includes a gay man playing the role of Hitler. While initially offended by the play, when the audience sees the mockery of a gay Hitler, they laugh and applaud with delight. But Preview finds little to applaud or laugh at in The Producers.

Preview Reviewer: Henry J. Rogers
Distributor: Universal