Cinemascope

Well that's just probably corporate logistics. It was a Paramount movie, a studio that is owned by Viacom, which also happens to own.... yup you guessed it right, Nickelodeon. And I'm not saying it might appeal to that age group but it definitely wasn't a children's movie... maybe more of a family comedy, albeit a very offbeat one.

You've got a very good point there, malkat, the dark humor in The Producers isn't too far removed from that of Dr. Strangelove or Clockwork Orange. It's just delivered with more of a smile!

Not meant to be a kid's movie. Although it could probably have used a stronger screenplay. It was a very thin plot, even for a summer movie.

Yeah but straight comedy and black humor are two very different things. Liking one doesn't necessarily mean liking the other.

"I hear ya," replied the deaf man.

Did you watch Nacho Libre?

No contest? That's a bit harsh on FA isn't it?

Well said, lzcutter!!!

Well then maybe we should mention it in the technical problems forum (since it's the listing on the schedules that is wrong).

Yeah, when he lets loose there's no one quite like him.

Yes but people have all kinds of different tastes when it comes to comedy. I like Buster Keaton more than any other single comedian, and I am not particularly crazy about The Producers - in fact, I hated it the first time that I watched it. And guess what? I can still see the huge appeal it has for a lot of people and totally agree that it should be an essential.

Yeah and you know what? If it makes people laugh, then it can't be all bad. It would be nice to have more laughter in the day.

Hey sometimes one of these recent comedies can make you laugh and have a good time and even if it's no gem that will stand the test of time, it can still be a lot of fun today. I had a fairly pleasant time with Tenacious D and the Pick of Destiny, which for some people might be as low-brow as they come. Jack Black's really good, even when the material around him isn't as good.

It isn't all bad, although perhaps not as good as the original. But the main point I was trying to make is that very few movies from the 60's would have that kind of appeal even to audiences in the 21st century (mostly for the Broadway show).

It's a great icon of old-fashioned Hollywood glamour... not so much because of the touristy aspect of it nowadays, but because of the premieres they would have there back in the day.

It's OK. The 1964 original and its immediate sequel A Shot in the Dark are among the best PP movies... Elke Sommers is a particular delight in the first sequel. And that scene in the nudist camp is... hilarious.

Well let's see... it was made in 1968 and was strong enough as material to become a super blockbuster on Broadway more than 20 years later, setting record ticket prices... and eventually leading to yet another film version of The Producers, this time with the Broadway stars and based on the stage show. Can't think of any other movie that's managed that.

I was just wondering if it had aired before... I'm not particularly eager to see it although of course if it happened to play I'd be very happy to watch.

Any comedy that's stood the test of time like The Producers would pretty much be an essential by definition. I may not be a big fan of it but I can certainly see why it stands out as one of the most memorable comedies of its time. And I would certainly not compare it to Spaceballs, either.

Ahh sorry *giggle* I didn't know you wanted something more specific than that

Believe me you probably wouldn't have been too impressed if you had caught it from the very beginning!

I disagree as well. I'm not sure which Wayne movies you've seen, but I'd be willing to bet you might change your mind eventually if you watch more of his movies.

Well I would definitely suggest you check out the Peter Sellers original. And you probably will want to skip the rather unfortunate Roberto Benigni sequel, unless you *really* like Benigni.

Maybe because he didn't want to live anymore?

Well look at the bright side, you can now enjoy the much superior Blake Edwards originals.