The Producers

The Producers

Year: 2005

Runtime: 134 min

Language: English

Director: Susan Stroman

ComedyMusical

A down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and a timid accountant team up to deliberately produce the worst musical ever, hoping to make money from investors. Their outrageous plan involves creating "Springtime for Hitler," a hilariously offensive show that is initially intended as a guaranteed flop. However, the show becomes unexpectedly popular, launching the unlikely partners to fame and fortune while creating a series of increasingly chaotic situations.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Producers (2005)

Trace every key event in The Producers (2005) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Opening Night Disaster

The film opens with the disastrous opening night of Max Bialystock's latest Broadway show, *Funny Boy: A Musical Version of Hamlet*. Audience members exit the theater, expressing their dismay and disappointment, declaring the production a complete failure.

Opening Night Broadway Theater
2

Leo's Arrival

Leopold Bloom, Max's new accountant, arrives to go over the financials for *Funny Boy*. However, his work is quickly interrupted by the eccentric investor, Hold-Me-Touch-Me, who engages in playful antics with Max.

Max's Office
3

Leo's Dream

During a chaotic meeting, Leo shares his lifelong dream of becoming a producer. His anxiety is evident as he clutches a blue baby blanket, which he resorts to rubbing against his face when stressed, particularly after Max snatches it away, sending him into a fit of hysteria.

Max's Office
4

The Big Idea

After calming down, Leo realizes a groundbreaking idea: it might be more profitable to produce a flop than a hit. With Max's encouragement, they conspire to create the biggest flop in Broadway history to pocket the excess funds.

Max's Office
5

Searching for a Flop

Max and Leo embark on a quest to find the worst play imaginable. They ultimately settle on *Springtime for Hitler*, a preposterous musical written by Neo-Nazi Franz Liebkind, believing it will surely fail and allow them to profit.

New York City
6

Meeting Franz Liebkind

In a humorous rooftop encounter, Max and Leo meet Liebkind, who insists they don swastika armbands and participate in a mock-sworn oath. The absurdity of the situation highlights the ludicrous nature of their production choice.

Rooftop
7

Getting a Director

To bring their audacious project to life, they seek out flamboyant director Roger DeBris. Despite his reluctance, DeBris agrees to direct after hearing about the potential for a Tony Award, setting the stage for their chaotic production.

DeBris's Office
8

Ulla Joins the Team

They encounter the enchanting Ulla, who auditions on a whim and impressively performs 'When You Got It, Flaunt It'. Soon after, she is hired as both their secretary and a cast member, contributing to the show's unique flair.

Audition Room
9

Raising Money

Max employs his charm to court wealthy elderly women to secure funding for their production, while Leo finds himself in a burgeoning romance with Ulla. This new relationship leads Leo to finally discard his comforting blue blanket.

Various Locations
10

Opening Night Chaos

As opening night arrives, nerves run high. Amid uncertain reactions from the audience and a series of unexpected mishaps, Leo dons the Broadway producer's hat, a symbol of his dreams and aspirations.

Opening Night Broadway Theater
11

Unexpected Success

Initially, the audience leaves in disgust, but DeBris's outrageous portrayal of Hitler changes the atmosphere, turning the production into a surprising success as the audience recognizes it as a satire rather than an offense.

Opening Night Broadway Theater
12

The Scheme Backfires

After the successful performance, Max and Leo return to their office only to realize their grand scheming has backfired. Just as they begin to confess their misdeeds, DeBris and his assistant burst in to celebrate.

Max's Office
13

Legal Troubles

Chaos erupts when Liebkind storms in, furious and demanding justice for the perceived betrayal. Just then, the police arrive, leading to the arrest of Bialystock and Bloom, revealing their tax fraud.

Max's Office
14

Sentenced to Prison

Max and Leo receive unexpected sentences of five years in prison, shocking everyone. Their lives take a turn as they come to terms with their situation while facing the fate of a life behind bars.

Courtroom
15

A New Musical

During their time in prison, they create a musical titled *Prisoners of Love*, which becomes a hit among inmates and staff alike. Eventually pardoned for lifting spirits, they return to Broadway with newfound success.

Prison
16

New Beginnings

Now fully embracing their partnership, Max and Leo embark on new theatrical ventures that include productions like *A Streetcar Named Murray* and *Katz*. They solidify their status as a unique and successful duo in the theater industry.

Broadway

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 01:54

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The Producers Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Producers

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