To Be or Not to Be by Ernst Lubitsch – A Hilarious Satire on Nazi Germany

Main Cast and Crew:

• Director: Ernst Lubitsch
• Writer(s): Edwin Justus Mayer, Melchior Lengyel (play)
• Key Actors: Carole Lombard as Maria Tura, Jack Benny as Joseph Tura, Robert Stack as Lt. Stanislav Sobinski
• Music Director: Werner R. Heymann
• Director of Photography: Rudolph Maté
• Producers: Ernst Lubitsch, Alexander Korda

To Be or Not to Be is a brilliant satire directed by Ernst Lubitsch that takes place in Nazi-occupied Warsaw during World War II. The film follows the adventures of a Polish theater troupe as they become embroiled in a plot to foil the Nazis.

The story revolves around the charismatic couple, Maria and Joseph Tura, played by Carole Lombard and Jack Benny, respectively. Joseph is a renowned actor known for his portrayal of Hamlet’s famous soliloquy, “To be or not to be.” When the Nazis invade Poland, the theater troupe finds themselves caught up in a dangerous game of espionage and mistaken identity.

When Maria is pursued by a Nazi officer, Colonel Ehrhardt, played by Sig Ruman, she uses her acting skills to distract him and protect her husband. Meanwhile, Joseph becomes entangled with a young Polish pilot, Lt. Stanislav Sobinski, played by Robert Stack, who is in love with Maria.

The plot thickens when the theater troupe is approached by a British spy, Professor Siletsky, played by Stanley Ridges, who possesses a list of Polish underground members. The troupe decides to take matters into their own hands and impersonate the Nazis to retrieve the list and save their countrymen.

The central theme of the film is the power of art and comedy to combat oppression. The theater troupe uses their acting skills to outwit the Nazis and expose their absurdity. Lubitsch masterfully blends humor and satire with the dark backdrop of Nazi Germany, creating a thought-provoking and entertaining film.

Upon its release in 1942, To Be or Not to Be received mixed reviews. Some critics felt that the film was too lighthearted in its portrayal of Nazi Germany, while others praised its cleverness and wit. Despite the initial reception, the film has since gained recognition as a classic comedy and a biting commentary on fascism.

The movie was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Music and received a nomination for the Grand Prix at the Venice Film Festival. Its legacy in cinema lies in its ability to tackle a sensitive subject matter with humor and intelligence, paving the way for future satirical films.

To Be or Not to Be is a must-watch for fans of classic comedies and those interested in World War II history. It offers a unique perspective on the war and showcases the power of laughter in the face of adversity.

Memorable Quote:

Joseph Tura: “So they call me Concentration Camp Ehrhardt?”

Colonel Ehrhardt: “Yes, and I hope you’ll live up to it.”