Summary
AlthoughMel Brooksoriginally had another title in mind forThe Producers, the movie might have been a disastrous failure if it weren’t for one wise producer’s input.The Producersis the directorial debut of Mel Brooks, one of the most celebrated cinematic satirists in history.The Producersis one ofMel Brooks’ best moviesand, when it won a Best Original Screenplay Oscar, the movie helped its director become a Hollywood comedy mainstay.The Producerstells the story of two unscrupulous producers who oversell shares in a laughably terrible play, only to be shocked when it becomes a hit.
The Producerswas met with mixed reception upon its original release thanks to the controversial content of the play within the movie, but time has been kind to its reception.The Producersis now seen as an influential classic, and it was adapted as a musical in 2001. This musical itself was later made into a movie in 2005 which, ironically, was a financial failure despite a starry cast. Although fondly remembered, the 2005 movie is not as well-loved asGene Wilder and Mel Brooks’ original collaboration.
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The Producers' Producer Joseph E. Levine Made Mel Brooks Change The Title In Order To Appeal To Studios
Mel Brooks’ Title Springtime For Hitler Was Deemed Too Risky
What madeThe Producerssuch a risky proposition is revealed by its original title. The movie was originally called “Springtime for Hitler,” which is the name of the play within the movie that the producers assume will be a financial disaster.The title “Springtime For Hitler” was deemed too potentially offensive by producer Joseph E. Levine, according to a 1997Billboardinterview with Brooks about the producer’s legacy. Brooks was warned by Levine that no one would put “Springtime for Hitler” on a theater marquee, resulting in the director retitling the movie. Brooks admitted that he already struggled to sell the project beforehand.
While many ofMel Brooks’ movies are spoofsof popular genres or famous films,The Producerswas a satirical look at the world of stage productions. In context, it makes sense for the movie to be named “Springtime For Hitler” since this in-universe title is intended to be so laughably terrible that audiences would inevitably shun the play. However, Levine didn’t want this fate to befall the real movie. Brooks thought the new title was ironic because the movie’s antiheroes were “Anything but producers." The controversy that continued to plague the movie proves Levine’s instincts were right.
The Producers' Fictional Springtime For Hitler Musical Explained
Springtime For Hitler Is An Absurdly Sunny Musical Set In Nazi Germany
Titled “Springtime for Hitler: A Gay Romp With Adolf and Eva at Berchtesgaden,” the fictional play inThe Producersis intended to be a comically misguided, tasteless affair. At first, it appears to be one, as the opening musical number sees stormtroopers dancing in a swastika configuration while singing about Hitler’s conquest of Europe. However, when the lead actor plays Hitler as a burnt-out beatnik (since the producers hired a hippy), the audiences assume it is satire and adore the play.Mel BrooksThe Producersends with the play succeeding as its producers fail.
