The Producers - The 92nd Street Y, New York

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92NY Humanities Audio Collection

The Turbulent 60s on Film

The Producers

Nov 5, 1981


Stuart Samuels, an acclaimed academic and film producer, discusses the 1967 film, The Producers, a satirical comedy written and directed by Mel Brooks. Samuels examines how this film exemplifies the turbulence of the 1960s, which sought to liberate individuals from notions of societal norms and values. He believes that Brooks was able to conduct a “vicious attack” on American values through his use of parodies of conformity, societal norms, and values of good taste and propriety, as well as his portrayal of taboo topics like lying, cheating, homosexuality, and Jewishness, which were usually limited to underground films. He also explores how Brooks has accomplished similar outcomes in his other films, like Young Frankenstein (1974). The discussion concludes with audience questions. Note: recording starts mid-discussion.

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