Synopsis
Max Bialystock was once one of Broadway's most successful producers, but a string of flops has thrown his career into a tailspin, and now he struggles to raise the cash to stage new shows by playing gigolo to lonely old ladies. While going over his books, accountant Leo Bloom notices that Bialystock raised more money than he spent for one show, and points out that if one raised enough money for a show that closed in one night, you could make more off a flop than a hit.
This strikes Bialystock as a brilliant scheme, and he decides to give it a try, persuading Bloom to join him in staging the world's greatest flop. After discovering a truly vile script -- "Springtime for Hitler," a musical set in the Third Reich written by neo-Nazi pigeon fancier Franz Liebkind -- and giving a key role to the secretary Ulla, a drop-dead gorgeous blonde with only a tenuous understanding of the English language, Bialystock and Bloom are certain they have the disaster they need for their plan to work. But the scheme unexpectedly goes wrong when "Springtime for Hitler" becomes a "so bad it's good" hit.
Themes: Greed, loyalty, friendships, positive results of a strong work ethic, comedy as a healing power.
Language/Sexual Innuendo: Strong language, sexual innuendo and adult humor. Jokes about religion, Hitler, sexuality are common. Occasional variant uses of the word “damn”, “ass”, “shit” and “fuck”. Men and women stage kiss dance and wear provocative costumes.
Smoking/Drinking/Drug Use: Negligible: Characters occasionally drink alcohol and smoke.
Violence: Slapstick.
For Which Audiences? When it comes to outrageous comedy, Brooks is a self proclaimed equal opportunity offender. The musical is not recommended for audience members who are easily offended by bawdy comedy concerning race, religion and sexuality. Based on the 1968 movie and eventually a multiple Tony award-winning show on Broadway, the comedy is an irreverent view of religion, history and stereotypes common in our society. Many will find the comedy by Hitler to be off-putting while those who enjoy the works of Mel Brooks will enjoy this work. Parental guidance is strongly recommended. Material may be not suitable for ages 12 and under.
Rating: The movie is rated PG-13 for strong language, sexual innuendo and adult themes.
