MOVIES! Network to Air THE PRODUCERS in Special Tribute to Gene Wilder – Wednesday, 8 PM ET

MOVIES! Network is remembering actor Gene Wilder with a special presentation of "The Producers" this Wednesday night at 8 PM ET.

Written and directed by Mel Brooks in 1968, "The Producers" is one of Wilder's most iconic performances. He played the character 'Leopold Bloom,' the accountant to Zero Mostel's producer 'Max Bialystock.' The pair, in an elaborate scheme to swindle investors out of money, attempts to produce a dud Broadway show, only to have it unexpectedly become a hit, leading to calamity. The role also earned Wilder an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Wilder passed away today, Monday, August 29 at the age of 83.

In his career, Wilder appeared on Broadway and on television, but is likely best known for his work in films. In addition to "The Producers," Wilder and Brooks worked together in the comedy films "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein." Wilder starred as Willy Wonka in the beloved children's classic "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." Later, Wilder teamed up with Richard Pryor for several successful film comedies including "Silver Streak" and "Stir Crazy." He met his future wife Gilda Radner when they co-starred in "Hanky Panky," and Wilder would later direct and star alongside Radner in "The Woman in Red." Nominated for two Academy Awards during his career, his role on "Will & Grace" would earn him the Emmy Award for Best Guest Actor in a Comedy.

MOVIES! Network, definitive classic movie broadcast network, operated in partnership with FOX Television Stations, is cleared in 61% of the country. You can find out where to watch at moviestvnetwork.com.

MOVIES! Network is a classic 24/7 movie-focused brand that features a wide variety of timeless films from multiple studios. MOVIES! Network offers viewers a modern way to experience movies on broadcast television creating an exceptional viewer experience. MOVIES! Network launched nationally in May 2013 and is a joint venture with FOX Television Stations, Inc. and Weigel Broadcasting Co. Visit moviestvnetwork.com or click here for additional information about the Network, where to watch, program schedule, and upcoming film previews.

Weigel Broadcasting Co. is a Chicago based business, family owned since 1965. Weigel and its affiliated companies own and operate network and independent television stations in Chicago, Milwaukee and South Bend, Indiana. In addition, Weigel is the leader in the multicast television network space with "MeTV," Memorable Entertainment Television being the number one rated and distributed network in the space, as well as the "Movies!" Network in cooperation with the FOX Television Stations, "H&I" Heroes & Icons, and "DECADES" Network in partnership with the CBS Television Station Group.

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