The Producers (1967 film) Glazier budgeted the film at $1 million, and sought financiers. Half the money came from philanthropist Louis Wolfson, who liked the idea of laughing at a dictator, and the remainder, along with the distribution, was arranged by Joseph E. Levine of Embassy Pictures. Levine's only condition was to change the title, as he felt many distributors would not carry a picture named "Springtime for Hitler." Brooks renamed it "The Producers," considering it ironic as "these guys are anything but producers." As Brooks "couldn't think of anybody to direct it," eventually he decided to take the task for himself, even though
The Producers (musical) back for one last song, telling the audience that they have to leave ("Goodbye"). The film is set in the year it was released, 1967, while the musical takes place in 1959. Because of this, the character "Lorenzo Saint DuBois", also known as L.S.D was omitted from the show, and Franz took the role of Hitler; Roger takes over the role after Franz breaks his leg. Ulla has a bigger role in the musical, and the overall tone of the musical is more lighthearted with a happier ending. Replacements for Max on Broadway included Henry Goodman, Tony Danza, John Treacy