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The Funniest Musical Comedy Song On Film And On Recordings

September 9th, 2007
By JOE GANDELMAN, Editor-In-Chief


One of the FUNNIEST moments in motion picture musical comedy is from the 2005 film version of Mel Brook’s Broadway Smash “The Producers.” If you’re a younger reader who has never seen it make SURE you watch this.

If you don’t know about the film, the earlier version in the 60s wasn’t a musical. It was about two producers who try and put on a show so awful, so crass, so tasteless that it is BOUND to fail so they could run off with the invested money (except it doesn’t). So they decide to do it on Hitler and Nazi Germany. The highlight of that non-musical film was the “Springtime For Hitler” number where the audience sicks in shocked silence (but something happens to make them love the show). Brooks wrote the hilarious lyrics and wonderfully hummable melody.

In 2001, Brooks debuted a full Broadway musical comedy version of “The Producers” — and he wrote the book, music and lyrics — and won 12 Tony Awards (including for best score). The 2005 movie stars the original stars Nathan Lane and Mathew Broderick.

The musical film wasn’t considered as successful as the Broadway show (which is still on stages) but it is hilarious.

Here’s the pivotal “Springtime For Hitler” number — one of the most hilarious musical comedy numbers on film. The lyrics (not to mention the melody) are the work of a genius.

And next, below, watch Gary Beach (who portrays the play’s director who at the last minute steps into the Hitler role) as he recorded the same song for the earlier original Broadway cast album (the song is slightly different). Notice the joy, emotion and total energy he puts into the recording. A true artist. You’ll also see Mel Brooks in the audience (who is quite pleased by the rendition of his song). When you watch it, you’re seeing a Broadway “show stopper” number recorded for musical history.

PS: Brooks’ songs are as good as any Broadway composer’s. His late wife Ann Bancroft reportedly encouraged him to write the Broadway musical version of his original 1960s movie. The 81-year old Brooks is set to open ANOTHER one of his comedy films adapted as a musical: Young Frankenstein opens on Broadway November 8.

This entry was posted on Sunday, September 9th, 2007 at 12:00 am and is filed under Theater, Satire, Music, Movies, Comedy & Humor, Entertainment. Both comments and pings are currently closed.


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