...Theatrically (artistically) "The Producers" somehow has been able use the swastika and Nazism to create a humorous presentation that doesn't offend. Go figure.
True, and good point.
However, in the story of "The Producers", I believe the reason for them being used IS to offend the audience and critics and therefore have the show close. So it's funny to us the audience because we're in on the joke.
And also because the writer, Mel Brooks, is Jewish. (So are/were Zero Mostel & I believe Gene Wilder, who starred in the film.) So the long-earlier defeated Nazis & Hitler were actually being laughed at & made sport of by those they had targeted to begin with.
