Max Bialystock is a fictional character in Mel Brooks' 1968 movie, The Producers, played by Zero Mostel. The character returned in the 2001 Broadway musical of the same name, and also in a 2005 Hollywood movie, which was based on the musical. Both times he was played by Nathan Lane. Max's office building, at least in the 2005 film, is located across the street from Sardi's, which is located at 234 West 44th Street in Manhattan (though in the film Sardi's is incorrectly shown to be located at 236).

[edit] Personality

Max Bialystock is described as selfish and greedy - a man who is only interested in making money. Though this is later proven untrue, Max's fiery and sarcastic nature can be very intimidating. He is willing to do anything to make money (including "shtupping every little old lady in New York") and is often angry, short-tempered and unwilling to cooperate nicely. His name is taken from the Polish city of Bialystok.

[edit] Curb Your Enthusiasm & The Producers

In the hit HBO show, Curb Your Enthusiasm, in the fourth season Larry David is asked to take on the role of Max Bialystock when The Producers makes its Broadway Run. He is paired up with, originally, Ben Stiller, who is soon replaced by David Schwimmer. Mel Brooks jokes that they can save space on the marquee by just placing "Larry David Schwimmer" on the lights.

Larry forgets his lines on opening night, but gets back by doing a little bit of standup with the crowd. Then he proceeds with the show and it becomes an instant hit, to which Mel Brooks is angry because he was hoping Larry's ineptitude would cause the show to be a flop, and he could get out of his roles as director and producer. Mel claims he is sick of the show and would like it to die out.

[edit] External links

• Man behind the name Max Bialystock