The Next Reel Film Podcast

How well do Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder work with each other? Does the musical element hold up? How about the comedy? Tune in to this week’s episode to find out these answers and more!

Show Notes

"How could this happen? I was so careful! I picked the wrong play, the wrong director, the wrong cast – where did I go right?"
Mel Brooks got his start doing stand-up comedy and as a TV writer, but he finally got his chance to direct a feature film when he read his script The Producers to producer Sidney Glazier, who wanted to make it right away. Once the film was made, however, the backers were nervous about the film and wanted to shelf it. It took an accidental screening by actor Peter Sellers to champion the film, which eventually led to its official release. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our celebration of films from 1968 celebrating their 50th anniversaries with another Movies and Their Remakes series, this time looking at Brooks’ The Producers.
We talk about why the film works, and why it actually works this time for Andy. We look at the relationship between Bloom and Bialystock and how it got there through the great performances by Gene Wilder and Zero Mostel. We discuss the other actors and what they’re bringing to the table. We see what Brooks does as director and chat about how well it works. And we debate the musical element and if it should’ve been nominated for an Oscar.
We’re glad to have revisited this film and had a great time talking about it. Check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – When the movie ends, our conversation begins.
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Creators and Guests

Host
Andy Nelson
With over 25 years of experience in film, television, and commercial production, Andy has cultivated an enduring passion for storytelling in all its forms. His enthusiasm for the craft began in his youth when he and his friends started making their own movies in grade school. After studying film at the University of Colorado Boulder, Andy wrote, directed, and produced several short films while also producing indie features like Netherbeast Incorporated and Ambush at Dark Canyon. Andy has been on the production team for award-winning documentaries such as The Imposter and The Joe Show, as well as TV shows like Investigation Discovery’s Deadly Dentists and Nat Geo’s Inside the Hunt for the Boston Bombers. Over a decade ago, he started podcasting with Pete and immediately embraced the medium. Now, as a partner at TruStory FM, Andy looks forward to more storytelling through their wide variety of shows. Throughout his career, Andy has passed on his knowledge by teaching young minds the crafts of screenwriting, producing, editing, and podcasting. Outside of work, Andy is a family man who enjoys a good martini, a cold beer, a nice cup o’ joe. And always, of course, a great movie.
Host
Pete Wright
#Movies, #ADHD, & #Podcasting • Co-founder @trustory.fm🎥 The Next Reel Family of #Film Podcasts @thenextreel.com🎙️ Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast @takecontroladhd.com📖 Co-author of Unapologetically ADHD • https://unapologeticallyadhdbook.com

What is The Next Reel Film Podcast?

A show about movies and how they connect.
We love movies. We’ve been talking about them, one movie a week, since 2011. It’s a lot of movies, that’s true, but we’re passionate about origins and performance, directors and actors, themes and genres, and so much more. So join the community, and let’s hear about your favorite movies, too.
When the movie ends, our conversation begins.