What do Mel Brookes and Charles Chaplin have in common ? They both made comedy films lampooning Adolf Hitler, a subject that was hardly suited to fun and frolic. And yet both films were remarkably successful. The original film of The Producers has become something of a Classic, while Chaplin's The Great Dictator is still considered a Masterpiece. The latest The Producers is rather an extended filmed version of the Broadway Stage Show, and while it has some exceedingly funny moments (due to its wild excursion into politically dangerous country) and a clever cast, it lacks the tightness of the earlier film. One feels the need for audience applause, theatre blackouts, interval, and the cast obviously have been through the actions many times. What results is still very amusing, and Uma Thulin lends much exciting sparkle, but it is a bit long winded. The additional song and dance numbers don't add to the zest. The longer sequence with on the roof with the Siegfried Oath is good value, though one misses the manic Gene Wilder of the 60's film. However it is certainly vintage Mel Brookes, and one should make sure to see the end titles in full for a final surprise.
Review of The Producers
