The Producers (1968) - Franz Liebkind (Kenneth Mars)

This is probably the funniest scene in the original Producers movie from 1968 (aside from the actual play - Springtime for Hitler). Kenneth Mars plays Franz Liebkind, the Nazi playwright whose writes Springtime for Hitler. Enjoy :)
Fun fact: Kenneth Mars also played Inspector Kemp in Young Frankenstein and King Triton in The Little Mermaid.

[@susanklein7448]

Thrill of my life: I worked for an ad agency in the early 1980s in L.A. and we used Kenneth Mars for some commercial voiceover work; I got to tell him how brilliant he was.

[@SamSam-xb1ur]

I only know Kenneth from Malcolm in the middle and I'm going down a deep youtube spiral of all his work and it's mind blowing. He defined my childhood and I am so naive to only just find out he died in 2011. You are so lucky, you was able to speak for us all directly to him!

[@emmarose4234]

I found out about him through The Little Mermaid and now I’m ashamed of myself.

[@yojimboxxx2805]

He played this role beautifully, A great actor.

[@susanklein7448]

@@SamSam-xb1ur old timers like me said about his role in Malcom "oh look who's playing the loveably eccentric old guy" lol

[@edoboleyn]

"Hitler! There was a painter. He could paint an entire apartment in one afternoon! Two coats!"

[@SarenArielle]

🤣🤣🤣

[@emgee44]

There’s so many little standout scenes in this movie and that one with that line is one of my favs. And as we’re here, let’s not forget the concierge, in the thick Brooklyn accent.

[@anonUK]

@@emgee44 She's not really funny, is she. She's a one-note character whose part should have been limited to 10 seconds. And why would a convinced Nazi go to live in New York of all places?

[@bbmcrae]

@@anonUK You seem very funny and like you should write jokes professionally!

[@Yorksbloke]

One of the great lines in cinematic comedy

[@gregorykeithmorris3970]

Still can't believe that this wonderfully talented gentleman was the voice of King Triton, too. Hell of an actor. Rest in peace, Kenny!

[@JimmySteller]

And Littlefoot's grandfather.

[@Brogadeboogie]

"why do you persecute me? my papers are in order!" hahahaha!

[@Filmdude2001]

2:35 "Hitler, there was a painter. He could paint an entire apartment in one hour, TWO COATS!!!" I almost fell out of my chair!

[@SarenArielle]

🤣

[@susanklein7448]

I've heard he improvised that line and Brooks allowed it.

[@321snoot]

@@susanklein7448 That's comedic brilliance!

[@SamuelBlack84]

Hitler a painter and decorator 😅

[@casyatbat]

Mel had hired Dustin Hoffman to be Franz Liebkind and right before filming he was cast for "The Graduate" - was outside Mel's apartment and yelled at him, asked if Mel could let him be in the Movie, and Mel let him. As great an actor as Dustin was, I don't think anyone could do a better job than this brilliant Kenneth Mars.

[@VCT3333]

And Dustin played with Mel's wife, Anne Bancroft!!

[@johnduckworth3866]

Gotta the love the versatility here an American actor, playing a German playwright, roasting a British prime minister.

[@billj4524]

Mars was also hilarious in Young Frankenstein as the police chief and in Butch Cassidy as the sheriff trying to round up a posse. A true comedic genius.

[@thethirdman225]

He was also the detestably funny Hugh Simon in ‘What’s Up Doc’.

[@jwhaler82]

Inspector Kemp is the first thing that comes to mind when I think Kenneth. 🦾

[@bonniemarshall3498]

Yes he is a true funnyman.

[@TheCatgirl6]

Kenneth Mars was/is soooo underrated--an unsung comic genius.

[@taildragger53]

No one can improve upon perfection. This film was just unbelievable. Kenneth Mars was a natural comedian in everything that he was in, even" Malcolm In The Middle". Comedians today pale into insignificance. R.I.P. Mr. Mars.

[@icemaglite]

Especially malcolm in the middle. A sublime actor

[@thomaslauffenberger5795]

"Churchill--he couldn't even say 'Nazis'! He vould say, 'Naw-zehs, Naw-zehs'; it vasn't 'Naw-zehs', it vas NAZIS!!!"

[@michaeljames4904]

And it’s a ridiculously good Churchill impression too!

[@Drac39]

I was very sad to hear Kenneth Mars passed. This is the funniest scene in the film thanks to him

[@rabola55]

"According to Brooks, after the film was completed, Embassy executives refused to release it as being in "bad taste"; however, Peter Sellers saw the film privately and placed an advertisement in Variety in support of the film's wider release.[7][10] Sellers was familiar with the film because, according to Brooks, Sellers had accepted the role of Bloom and then was never heard from again."

[@loretta_3843]

Yes! I remember that, thank God for it!

[@ihavefallenandicantreachmy2113]

In other words.....Peter Sellers (RIP), was a "CHIEF Inspector", of The Producers, in a way. Could we say his Ad, in "Variety," was a "Bimp", of sorts, for Brooks. "Brooks, you have received a Bimp, in a Book. There is no charge." (Sorry. I am just thinking/remembering, out loud.)

[@wz2001]

Rest in peace Kenneth Mars. You will truly be missed.

[@Taymix05]

just because the original is a masterpiece, doesnt mean the remake was bad. i love both

[@gottohavesoul]

The remake is a far cry from the original, IMO. Kenneth Mars' performance was epic.

[@MrJm323]

....There was a remake?!?

[@garrison6863]

In the opening scene with Mars, Wilder came close to cracking up 2-3 times.

[@Moreoff]

I read that Ken Mars wore that costume continuously for weeks & spoke the part prior to shooting to fully absorb the character, supposedly not bathing either. This is master performance, facial expressions and all.

[@TheLowBrassDude]

He also requested bird dung on his helmet

[@PAJA63]

Method acting in its prime. 🙂

[@patkeeg1]

"now Hitler, there was a painter. He could paint an apartment in one afternoon - TWO COATS!" sheer genius

[@srbarkerchan]

Fun Fact: Dustin Hoffman was offered to play the role of Franz, but he ended up turning it down after landing the lead role in The Graduate.

[@mjwatts1983]

Mrs Robinson was played by Anne Brancroft whose husband was Mel Brooks

[@thethirdman225]

I honestly don’t think he could have done any better than Kenneth Mars.

[@321snoot]

@@thethirdman225 I agree. Can't even imagine Hoffman in that role, especially after watching Mars in it.

[@thethirdman225]

@@321snoot Kenneth Mars defined that role. He was an outstanding comedy talent.

[@321snoot]

@@thethirdman225 Absolutely!

[@daverage4729]

"Lies...such filthy lies!!!!" God the energy Kenneth Mars gave off here was fantastic!

[@estimad08]

i love how gene wilder keeps looking like he's about to crack up :) kenneth mars is genius in this

[@ericstarvogault2484]

Kenneth Mars should have won an Oscar for this.

[@Drac39]

I love the bird crap on his helmet

[@KTKomedy2813]

THAT'S Kenneth Mars? ... Boy, he really went a long way to play King Triton and Littlefoot's Grandfather.

[@blueschewy2558]

Don't forget Inspector Kemp.

[@KTKomedy2813]

@@blueschewy2558 Don't worry, I didn't.

[@ghosthost100]

Kalvin Koskela and Otto the dude rancher in Malcolm in the Middle. Him and Cloris Leachman are hilarious.

[@jackal59]

@@ghosthost100 And Hugh, the snotty European Doctor of Music in What's Up, Doc?.

[@TheLowBrassDude]

@@jackal59 I'm not You. I am Hugh.

[@jimmyandrex5697]

After all these years, I just realised what the joke is in Liebkind’s name

[@DougAlder]

RIP Kenneth Mars - you played it so bad it was sublime. You were perfect in this role

[@patkeeg1]

"now the Furer, there was a painter. he could paint an apartment in one afternoon - TWO COATS!"

[@dougherj]

A great scene . . . but the "Springtime for Hitler" number is my favorite. "Don't be schtoopid! Be a shmarty! Come and join the Nazi pahty." (delivered in the movie and play by Brooks himself)

[@tomcooper6108]

The talent!!!!!! Unbelievable!!!!

[@mikeford1273]

A film of true genius! Forget any remakes..this is just brilliant on all fronts!!

[@AppleseedHumanityInc]

To create both Franz Liebkind and Hugo Simon shows a rare breadth of talent. Today's Hollywood does not contain its equal.

[@kevinwearing7720]

Luv this film. Thanx for your upload

[@megan8madonna]

I love this film. Everything about it. And Kenneth Mars is one of the important links to everything ironic about the story. R.I.P.(And Zero...you'll never be forgotten).

[@MrPolford]

The Hitler with a song in his heart. Brilliant, but this scene is so riddled with gems that I had actually forgotten it.

[@Klamath2046]

"A occasion like this calls for schnapps!" has slipped into my vernacular

[@theresavinsonstenersen3348]

3:20 - Emotional mirroring as a psychological tool. Mel Brooks is a genius.

[@TanukiCoast]

"Mr. Liebkind please,... people can hear." XD

[@Crunkboy415]

He should've been nominated for an Oscar. Beats Will Farrell by a mile.

[@blueschewy2558]

No contest. Kenneth Mars was perfectly cast as Franz Liebkind and Inspector Kemp.

[@blueschewy2558]

They're not even in the same league.

[@tomhamilton5261]

There's only one Franz and only one Inspector Kemp and it's Kenneth Mars! Following in his Grandfather's Vootschteps!

[@blueschewy2558]

@@tomhamilton5261 To ze lumberyard!

[@tomhamilton5261]

@@blueschewy2558 on an occasion like this ....calls for Schnapps! Chuuurchill!

[@lordalessan]

Classic actor. RIP Kenneth Mars aka Franz Liebkind.

[@michaeljames4904]

Let me tell you ZIS! And you are hearing zis STRAIGHT FROM ZE HORSE!

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

Kenneth Mars should have won an Oscar for this movie!

[@hemiglos]

"I'm the author! I outrank you!" Great line.

[@Jhensy2012]

Gene Wilder can't help cracking up when Franz sings 'Deuschland Uber Alles' at 1:24.

[@Concetta20]

“He could paint this whole room in an hour. Two coats.”

[@peplluisrex]

Fun fact. Liebkind means 'love child' in German.

[@SamuelBlack84]

Hint hint

[@meganconnell6853]

RIP Kenneth Mars and Gene Wilder.

[@georgemorley1029]

Oh! Joy of joys. Oh! Dream of dreams.

[@mikewolverton7904]

Kenneth Mars was absolutely perfect for this role.

[@ericstarvogault2484]

I am not responsible. Why do you persecute me?

[@tarakb7606]

One of the funniest films ever made !!

[@nonpartisangunowner4524]

Inspector Kemp!

[@Growler57]

One of the best comedy films ever

[@garymacdonald7165]

He was a perfect fit for the "Young Frankenstein" number!

[@teddysalad5986]

Best scene from a great movie! Love Kenneth Mars.

[@garrison6863]

Gene Wilder almost broke up about thee times outside that bird cage.

[@jcortese3300]

Kenneth Mars, filmland's go-to guy for unhinged Teutonics.

[@robg71]

"He's wearing a German Helmut" "Shhh Don't say anything to offend him" Hahaha.

[@MrJsavo]

Hitler could paint an apartment on 1 afternoon, ....... 2 COATS!!

[@donnalichvarcik9358]

Rip Kenneth gene and zero 3 of the greatest Hollywood legends of all time

[@commanderkeen3787]

Trivia: Mel Brooks originally cast Dustin Hoffman in the role of Franz and he thought he was brilliant. But Hoffman had to drop out because he was offered the lead role in The Graduate

[@danielgudinojuarez6729]

Kenneth Mars, the man of many talents and was a ahead of his era

[@ClueSign]

@TheCatgirl6 Yep - Mel Brooks wanted to play Franz Liebkind...until Ken Mars read for the role...and Brooks realized he was funnier...and he improvised the line about Hitler painting an entire room in 2 coats...

[@f0urstr1ng]

Max Byalastock- THE most unscrupulous character in movie history

[@normanby100]

Hard to imagine Dustin Hoffman was originally earmarked to play Franz. Franz needs to be intimidating and scary and Kenneth Mars had it down to a tee.

[@ohiogremlin87]

CHURCHHHHILLLLL!!!!!!!!

[@bobbest1611]

great post. only wish you had included the other kenneth mars scenes--auditions, at the opening, gunning for zero & wilder. he was wonderful in every scene.

[@DjChugalug239]

Kenneth Mars is playing this role way over the top

[@rnw2739]

Totally in keeping with every character in the film, so what's your point?

[@DjChugalug239]

@@rnw2739 I made this comment over 10 years ago. I wasn’t even out of high school yet. Your reply reminds me of how cringe my takes were because holy shit Kenneth Mars snapped in this CLASSIC.

[@diegodiaz6876]

Lmao Wilder at 1:25 can’t control himself xD

[@Lamporre]

Kenneth Mars was so frigging funny throughout the film. And they thought Will Ferrell could even match to the original performance?

[@Captain_Rhodes]

This is my favourite version of deutschland uber alles ever

[@gwangi64]

Kenneth Mars is a comic powerhouse in this scene.

[@yojimboxxx2805]

I heard that Peter Sellers was offered the role (to me one of the best comedy actors ever ) but Keith Marrs nailed it perfectly... Great performance

[@thewkovacs316]

is this true? i know it was sellers who pushed the film this was his favorite scene

[@cb8655]

Peter Sellers was offered Leo Bloom… never got back to it… but endorsed the movie later since he loved watching it!

[@Palovmine]

Dankt Herr Kenneth, you always found a way to make me laugh, i will remember you always!!

[@donnalichvarcik9358]

Kenneth playing king 👑 Triton made him a badass Disney legend rip Kenneth

[@ixis99]

RIP Mr.Mars....great stuff

[@PersianAustralian]

Hahaha! Gene Wilder looks like he's about to lose it a couple of times. Totally understandable. Wilder is absolutely aDORKable (Thank you TV Tropes!).

[@briceristow5985]

The way he melts @ 3:25.

[@WillScarlet16]

Auf wiedersehen, Herr Liebkind, Inspektor Kemp (Salutes)

[@leonheart27adamwright67]

To think Kenneth Mars would go on to do the voice of Triton in the Little Mermaid a couple of decades later. Quite a different performance compared to this one. 😂🤣

[@przemekgrabowski]

RIP Kenneth Mars

[@GhostPlanetFilms]

King Triton.

[@mrmillcake8525]

An accurate and vivid illustration of post-traumatic syndrome! =]

[@Volts48]

and then in 1989, Kenneth Mars voices a Merman...

[@vigo894]

Kenneth Mars is also the voice of King Triton in Disney's The Little Mermaid.

[@skrag2112]

Just heard Kenneth Mars died. One of the few people who could make nazis funny. RIP Ken.

[@cessnaverdi]

I would give anything to see the bloopers for these scenes. I swear Gene was ready to lose it a few times.

[@henrywhenryw812]

The best comedy ever😂🤣

[@groovygirl23]

RIP Ken

[@ZenosaurusRex]

R.I.P. Kenneth Mars

[@kallekarlsson1054]

Deutchland, Deutchland uber alles! Mr liebkind, people can hear us!! Im yankeedoodle dandy! Hahahaha!

[@haroldhollemanii3309]

I can only ever imagine Peter sellers and Dustin Hoffman doing this scene

[@loflyerz7]

mars is hilarious....see him too as "bud prize" on "fernwood tonight"

[@AmyAmazing55]

Bloom looks like he's about to have a heart attack... lol

[@casebarreoltt5990]

Imagine working IRL at Hugo Boss

[@bsgambati1]

Churchill!

[@mjk206]

And you’re hearing this straight from the horse! Gold

[@Lauried2000]

R.I.P. Mr Mars :(

[@LoneMyth]

Wow I can't believe he is King Triton in Little Mermaid

[@stephenandrew8387]

Never been a funnier German, ever.

[@larrycoldwater1964]

And that’s from the horse!