What Went Wrong with The Producers (2005)? 

Once again special thanks to Sandy, Wyatt, Liz and Kate from Kate Cast Reviews for helping me remaster this lost episode from Season 1! It's crazy how much can change in a little over a year, but I definitely feel a lot better about this take in terms of audio mixing, video editing and my own vocal performance. Give Kate a subscribe if you can for more in depth pop culture content: ru-vid.com/show-UC_nsBZngWbumfD45KqW1A7A

Most younger people (like me) who never got to see the original show on broadway, still find the movie to be great!

i'm with kate here. the '05 movie was my first exposure to the musical and i was absolutely obsessed with it for a while. i didn't even know most people didn't like it until years later

Still loved the movie, don’t care what people think.

I love that line about Mel Brooks bringing sincerity into comedy. For me, that's what makes his earlier movies so special. Despite all the hijinks, they still had heart and characters the audience could get attached to. And that's a big part of why The Producers works so well.

It’s one of my favorited BECAUSE they kept it true to the stage version. I don’t care what critics say. It’s an excellent movie.

I'm with Kate, no matter what critics or audiences thought, it was so sincerely joyful and just overall awesome. Even Uma Thurman lol

my takeaway-don't release a movie adaptation of a musical during the christmas weekend.

nothing went wrong. its a great film. i was LITERALLY on the floor rolling around laughing in tears

Kate says "Jane Krakowski as Ulla" and it activates something in my brain: a deep desire and want for that performance to be injected into my eyeballs and earholes.

I feel like Death Note the Musical would be an amazing choice and would probably bring you guys so much needed attention!

I agree The Producers could have done better if Mel Brooks directed it himself while Strohman can stay on as a choreographer and producer.

I was SO lucky to get to see Broderick and Lane in the Broadway show. I have never laughed so hard throughout an entire stage show ever. It was really something special and I'm glad I was able to get to see it live.

Thank you for acknowledging The Muppet Christmas Carol in such high regard, you have officially earned my respect

Honestly. I think “The Producers, 2005” was made like a 1940’s-50’s broadway musical type of movie like how hollywood once made back many years ago. I love it. Like how Young Frankenstein was created to pay tribute to the classic horror movies, I feel like the Producers is paying tribute to the musical movies of the 40s and 50s.

The Producers musical is my favorite film of all time. Its what got me interested in show biz, and without it I do not think I would be working in the entertainment industry today!

God I would love to hear you all dissect "Into the Woods". Just one of the most promising adaptations to fail fully on-screen.

I'll never understand cutting "King of Old Broadway." A genius opening song that sets the tone for Max's character and dropping that for non-theater audiences threw the film off.

May you please do an episode on the curse of vampire musicals on Broadway (Dance of the Vampires, Lestat, Dracula) and why some of them fared better outside of Broadway?

I am ETERNALLY grateful to this movie for so directly bringing the Broadway show to film, because otherwise I would never have gotten to see it; plus, the more ‘cinematic’ version of the story already existed...I can’t imagine that MEL wanted to direct it AGAIN, or that anyone else wanted to re-direct a MEL BROOKS MOVIE...i love this movie, I love this show, i love this movie, AGAIN...!

One of my top 5 films of all time, The Producers (2005) exists in a separate space than the original and the Broadway production. It polishes and streamlines what the original cast did so well in the live production as we get to really see their expressions, listen to every line and note uttered with perfection you can't get from a live performance and the production quality really does the music the justice it deserves. Gary Beach gave one of the greatest performances ever in The Producers and I think he was even better in the film, every joke was sharp and right on time. Just the *way* he says his lines are preferable to me.

Mel Brooks has only the single Oscar, and two other nominations (in '75 for Young Frankenstein and Blazing Saddles). However he's so influential that he is receiving an Academy Honorary Award in 2024.

pleeeaase do a video on Chess The Musical

I loved the original movie. I couldn't afford to go to NYC to see the musical, so I was thrilled when this movie came out. I did not like it -- at first -- but, after repeated viewings of it over time, I have come to really like and appreciate it. I'm glad it exists for those of us who didn't get to see Lane & Broderick on Broadway.

Ever thought of doing the musical adaptations of Disney's Tarzan and The Little Mermaid? They both only closed their shows after a year on Broadway

I'm very much hoping y'all could cover the Lord of the Rings musical someday. It feels like there's so little information on it, so few people even know it existed. Was it simply too big to succeed?

Whenever I talk about Roger Bart & people don't know who I'm talking about I go oh he was in the producers also sang in Hercules 😂

I'm anticipating a video on some of Sondheim's flops. My god there were some that flopped HARD. Anyone Can Whistle, for example, only ran for 12 previews and 9 performances, yet still being the first time that Sondheim and Angela Lansbury collaborated, yet she gave him such a good impression that he later wrote the role of Mrs. Lovett specifically for her.

I loved the film! But then, it was my first time ever seeing the story. I didn't get to see the show live on stage until much later. I never even saw the original 60s film until after seeing the 2005 movie

This is heresy. The movie is perfect, every minute. I'm with her.

I will say this about 2005’s The Producers; Will Ferrell and John Barrowman were at the top of the game, and the lighting and cinematography was absolutely fantastic.

I actually really love, the remake of The Producers.

what went wrong? they thought they could make more money with a flop than a hit.

Im probably just a theatre nerd but I LOVED the producers movie and I didn't even know i liked musicals then. I wish I could have seen it live so bad.

I actually loved Uma Thurman as Ulla! I thought her acting is really incredible and I think she’s really amazing in the movie! 😍 I actually loved her singing and dancing too. She plays Ulla perfectly 😍

I have a deep love for this musical/movie adaptation. It was one of my first musicals to be introduced to me. While I do understand that there are some aspects wrong with it, it still never fails to make me smile. And I agree with you about having Mel direct and Susan produce and the choreography. Great video as always!!

Greatly appreciate the updated version of this! I started it going "I swear I've watched this but I remember it being only good not this great" and then I saw the pinned comment. Although, I'm shocked neither of you comment on Will Ferrell's vamping over the end credits of the 2005 film, as I've always felt it was one of the strongest parts of the film version.

I was actually pleasantly surprised by Uma Thurman’s performance, which I expected to be much worse. It helps that “Flaunt It” is a really fun song. I actually found Broderick to be the weak link in the cast, basically just doing a Gene Wilder impression the entire time 🤷🏼‍♀️ Anyway, please do a video on Groundhog Day the musical, it’s a brilliant show that didn’t get its due in America. 🥰🥰

I thought of three musicals you could do or would be nice if you could do this season or next. 1) Little Women. It stared two major Broadway stars Sutton Foster and Maureen McGovern. It had music by Stephen Schwartz. It made it to previews maybe past but only showed a short time. 2) The Bakers Wife. It was a hit in the 70's but as far as I know has never been a success past that. 3) Be More Chill. It made it to Broadway but like Beetlejuice just never got momentum. Brandon I hope you are enjoying your new year and your new home.

I totally get all of your points but ironically the reason why I LOVE the Producers movie is because is almost like a pro shot recording but with movie money. So I can basically enjoy the broadway show in HQ.

I remember watching the 2005 Producers in theater class back in high school and the whole class burst into laughter in the Springtime for Hitler scene

I'm just so happy to hear a well-thought out defense of the movie musical (especially the preservation of actor performances), instead of just stopping at bashing it for how it didn't work. It's definitely partially nostalgia talking (no shame in that) but saw the 2005 movie first at a young age and it's one of my all-time favorites. I did not see the original musical and I'll never say the movie was better than the real musical it was descended from, but also: I and most people will never GET to see the musical as it was intended so this movie is special too. Made me really happy to hear Kate Cast Reviews describe why the movie is lovable in its own way.

It warmed my heart that both Lane and Broderick turned up in Only Murders in the Building

I still really enjoy the film and think it's one of the best stage to screen adaptations, just behind Chicago.

Could you do the history of confusing changes of the “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” musical.

Context for my remarks here: The Mostel-Wilder version was my introduction to Mel Brooks, when it came on cut and commercial-interrupted, on TV when I was very young. It quickly became a favorite, and to this day there are scenes I can quote from start to finish. Also, we would have loved to have seen the stage production, but never were able to. Somehow I'm lacking the impetus to watch the movie. I am going to comment only on your take on the original production: I do not feel that the movie skimps on the relationship between Bialystock and Bloom. It begins with Max using Leo; it begins with Leo so insecure that he barely functions. The path these two take is marked out in the Central Park sequence, when Leo begins to stir, then explodes in the wonderful Lincoln Center sequence, and when Max is forced to actually spend time and understand Leo. Throughout the movie, you can see Leo's slow growth as a person, so that his frustration, anxiety and fear can explode at Max in the Fat Fat Fat section. Despite this, notice how, when Franz invades the office, Leo dives for Max and Max covers him. The wounds are healed not when they decide to blow up the theatre but when Leo apologizes for calling Max fat, and when Max responds with a genuine embrace. This is a short movie, that moves quickly, and is not supposed to be taken seriously; most of the characters are cartoonish by design, and this is part of the charm and freedom given to them. As you said, the story is actually about two lonely men, who find friendship and fulfillment in their unlikely partnership. Everything else ("Springtime for Hitler" included) is a means to that end, when all is said and done. Also, the original movie has Dick Shawn as LSD, who always made our father crack up when trying to remember his name, and who performs his song like no one else possibly could. The 2005 movie is going to have to work awfully hard to make up for that lack!

Fantastic movie! Roger Ebert gave it 3 out of 4 stars. He said the only problem was that the story was known and people didn't give this adaption a chance. Gary Beach's performance was a gift.

I have watched the 2005 version many times. Funny as hell. Love it.

The problem they faced was very simple: The original was so good, that people knew that no remake could live up to it. It was a great idea to make a play out of it, but it never stood a chance to begin with.

I love this musical and it saddens me that it isn't performed anymore and will likely never be performed on Broadway or off again

I'll always prefer the 1967 version for the sole reason of Dick Shawn's LSD. Watching his audition, I have never laughed so hard in my life.

This problem has a very simple answer - the 1967 Film version was PERFECT on every level - cast wise, acting wise and photography wise. After that any efforts to recreate that smash it is bound to fail by comparison.

I continue in my hopes for a Great Comet video

kate’s uma rant is perfect especially considering that was exactly what uma’s character did on SMASH

Love your channel! ♥️ Please dedicate an episode to "The Prom" movie, and how it compares to the stage show, or on "Heathers" or "American Psycho!" 🎤🤞🎵

It flopped because it felt like a stage play with a camera. The pacing, angles, acting, all felt like a theatre, not a movie. I remember borrowing the DVD and wondering "why did people rave about this show?" We would have been better served by a good filming of the actual stage performances. I saw the Tony Awards and loved the numbers they did that night.

I thought this was an amazing film. How awful it would be if it weren't done over the top. The content demands over the top. This is an underappreciated masterpiece.

I learn so much from these types of videos, knowing what doesn't work in a show and why. I really love theater and am always wondering why some musicals fail, and the history behind it, when the concept could be turned into something great. One that I just learned about was a high school musical production of Star Wars: Episode 4. The reason behind its failure is pretty weird and it might be a good episode, if you decide to cover it.

I don't agree, I think Ooma did an amazing job in the role. I think she checks all the boxes. Is she AS talented a singer as the others? Obviously not, but she CAN sing. Enough that I can enjoy when she does sing. I frankly enjoy most of the jokes about her or from her. And her being unexpectedly intelligent on all the schemes, as well as breaking the fourth wall, I thought was a great thing.

Loved this video! When this movie came out it was one of my favorites, to the point that I named my new dog Maxi after Max Bialystock. This reminded me why I loved it, and I think I'll have to check it out again.

Speak for yourself! I'm sorry but I love love love this film 😂 I'm a huge fan of musical theatre though, and I kind of get it and like it when things are really camp and melodramatic and over the top, even cheesy

I totally agree! Stroman and Thurman were the two biggest drawbacks to the success of this film. I sat in the theater wanting sooo much to love it! It was like watching from the front row, watching your child forget his lines.

It doesn't seem like that long ago that I watched the original version of this collaboration. It was what got me watching Waiting in the Wings in the first place! Great job on the update, guys!

I love this version exactly because it is a stage play on camera and it's one of those rare exceptions where it works :)

I'd love to see you do an episode on the Coraline musical, since it seems like such a strange and weird production and I'd love to know more about it!

This was the first version of the Producers I watched and I immediately fell in love with it. Everyone in my family loves it. It's iconic. And I personally loved the use musical style acting in the film, I personally think it added to the humour and really helped with the satire. It's unfortunate it didn't do well and I was shocked it didn't. I didn't know anyone would hate it

I loved the film. I didn't know it had so much history to it. Thanks.

Nothing will Ever beat Gene Wilder and Zero Mostel. The original film is one of the greatest Mel Brooks films.

Wow that title music is SO GOOD! Like, probably the best part of the video!!!

Wasn't Ula's less-than-great singing part of the joke though? I thought Uma Thurman playing a bimbo actually worked really well. Also, as a general rule I can't stand Will Ferrell but in this movie I thought he was one of the funniest characters and I loved every moment he was onscreen.

I'm pretty hopeful about the movie In the Heights, from the trailer I can see what they wanted to adapt and how and some of the shots looked really nice. Granted it's the point of a trailer but still, I'm looking forward to it

I never saw the B'way version but really enjoyed both versions of the movie. I thought Lane and Broderick brought a different style to Bialystok & Bloom than Mostel and Wilder had. Not better, not worse. Just different.

Since I didn't know this was a theatrical production before being made into a movie when I first watched the film, The Producers movie is The Producers for me, and I loved it! Watched it more than a dozen times already, I think. Our first experience with something usually forms the basis of our understanding of, well... that thing.

Damn this remastered version of the episode SLAPS. While I can’t remember exactly if I saw it in theaters or on TV first I definitely remember that it was the second viewing that I fell IN LOVE with it and despite some of the flaws in the film version it still works! One interesting thing Ive realized is that because of the film I got to at least see A Version of the show thanks to Stroman’s decision to keep most of it in (curse those damn $400 tickets, cheap seats for life!).

Mel Brooks has the ability to meld so many comedy types into one film and make every demographic laugh to the point of tears

Not everybody that goes to the movies likes musicals, but everyone that goes to Broadway loves them!

Even though I've never seen this musical, I saw the springtime for Hitler segment on a countdown and needless to say me and my sister laughed till we cried

all of your criticisms are absolutely spot-on but I will just say that this film is a tradition in my family and we made my partner watch it for exactly that reason

Honestly I loved the movie. It was the first Mel Brooks movie I saw. I watched it over quarentine and loved every minute of it. I'm glad we have the movie pretty accurate to the Broadway production, because we wouldn't exactly have an easy way to see the musical version at all. It's sad that people didn't like it as much I did, but oh well. PS: Honestly, I didn't find Uma that horrible (though, I also didn't like how they shoved her in all the promotion material :/) but Jane Krakowski as Ulla is a terrific idea and she would've played the part so well!! She truly could fill up a stage or theater with her presence

I always loved this movie. The over the top style never bothered me, but then again, I am a huge fan of the musical already and original. Movie musicals are so rare to see, so I welcome them in general, especially if they are done with care to the original like this one was. ☺

I'm sure it's been said before but an obvious quick fix for the 2005 film would have been to have Mel Brooks direct. Wouldn't solve every issue straight away, but having a legendary filmmaker who created the original film and was so deeply involved with the musical, in charge would seem to be common sense.

This is a great format. I love hearing the discourse without anyone having to be wrong or stupid for their opinions or readings of the media.

I know I'm late in discovering this channel but I think I love you.

You're right, there's a difference between The Stage and Film. Most people don't realize this l, like the past transfers from stage to screen. Thanks for this channel.

One of my favorite movies, introduced me to Broadway shows and it was eye opening. My daughter and I saw The Producers in Macon, Georgia at a perfect small old theater our favorite memory.

I love The Producers. I loved the original and saw the original cast in NYC. I truly believe (as others have noted) that if Anne Bancroft had been in good health, Mel would have been more involved. But I am so glad it preserved the performances- especially Gary Beach. I will take this over Mame (except for Bea and Jane) or Hello Dolly! or Cats any day!!

Love this look at the movie, but you guys are cracked. I love the the ending of the original film. The three of them trying to blow up the theatre and ending with them all in jail works for me. And I understand why they did away with LSD and changed the play for Roger to be the star, but I always thought it worked better in that original. But as we all know, no stage to screen adaptation will ever top Fidldler in the Roof.

I love this movie adaptation!! I think it’s wonderful!! And I can’t stop watching it!!

Great work an ALL your videos. It's obvious they take a lot of work, and they have a professional look to them. I look forward to seeing them, and really enjoy them. A general topic you may want to explore is the new phenomenon of "movies to musicals". So few succeed, and yet they keep on coming. Too bad the Broadway producers of today don't go out and try to find new talented writers, instead they rely on the familiarity of a recognizable movie title to fill seats.

As Singing in the Rain is my #1 movie of all time favorite, your explanation helps me see why I did enjoy the Producers so much.

I think it’s the same problem that early Hollywood suffered from. Stage acting & movie acting are completely different skills. When the audience is sitting in the theatre, the actors need to emote to the back row but being on people’s living room screens requires a much more subdued/realistic performance. Edit: I’m glad they covered it themselves but I’m coming to expect the best from this channel. I wonder who Brooks’ consiglieri was?

I see at the 2005 film of the producers like a person. Sure they have some quirks and maybe had a made a few mistakes but I still love how it sings, joke and even how it looks. No matter what the quirks are. I still love the film. It's a movie that I grew up with and still love to this day.

My brother and I used to love this movie when we were kids. Then I grew up, saw the original and the stage show, and realized that it was the most inferior version. I’ve still got a place in my heart for the 05 film but recognize it’s a massive missed opportunity.

I'm saying this as a theater nerd who lives in fly-over rural America. I want to THANK the people who give us these films so that we can vicariously experience the shows. I'm lucky enough to be able to do a long weekend yearly in NYC, but things like this allow those of us in the boonies to experience it. I completely agree with Brendon that live and film acting is very different. And I have the film's soundtrack on my iPod (yes, I'm that old) & it always makes me laugh when I listen to it.

I'd argue that Strohman made the choice to keep the big theatre acting. It keeps the heart of The Producers.

Enjoyed this video very much 🥰 So excited for the next season & whatever else may come 😉 Also, an idea for a future episode could be "Dance of the vampires", a German musical adaptation of the 1967 film by Roman Polanski, which flopped on Broadway 😅🥰

I honestly love the movie adaptation of The Producers musical. I first fell in love with it when I purchased a DVD of the film on a whim when I was doing Army field training in 2006. I had zero idea of what it was about (and I wasn't even into theatre or broadway at the time lol) and went in blind. It became one of my all time faves (like top 20 films of all time). Thank you Kate for praising and defending this film (altho I loved Uma as Ulla and her singing didn't bother me).

I saw it on Broadway and this movie adaptation was just as great because it was so faithful. I’m lucky enough to have seen many Broadway shows and this is one of my favorites.

I was the chairman of the film committee for my dorm South Hedges Hall at Montana State University in the spring of 1979. I booked this Mel Brooks film because it was a Mel Brooks film and Young Frankenstein, and Blazing Saddles were both Mel Brooks films. How bad could it be? We had a sold-out audience that all paid nothing to see this film. This was with Zero Mostel, and Gene Wilider. My faculty advisor was more disturbed by the old lady action than the Hitler bit. This was before we had any Neo-Nazi action on campus. It was just a fun movie. Later, in 2007, I saw the new movie. I like them both. In fact, I have them both on Blue Ray. I still think that John Barrowman who plays the Singing Nazi in the Springtime for Hitler piece can be converted.

I can watch The Producers over and over…