
To Be or Not to Be
dir. Ernst Lubitsch
87
8 sourcesSynopsis
During the Nazi occupation of Poland, an acting troupe becomes embroiled in a Polish soldier's efforts to track down a German spy.
Critics consensus
A complex and timely satire with as much darkness as slapstick, Ernst Lubitsch's To Be or Not To Be delicately balances humor and ethics.
What resonated with audiences
'To Be or Not to Be' is a classic comedy-drama directed by Ernst Lubitsch, starring Jack Benny and Carole Lombard. The film is praised for its clever satire, witty dialogue, and Lubitsch's direction. Benny and Lombard's performances are celebrated for their chemistry and comedic timing. The blend of humor and serious themes set in Nazi-occupied Poland is noted for its boldness. Some find the humor outdated and pacing uneven, impacting modern resonance.

Directed byErnst Lubitsch
StarringCarole Lombard, Jack Benny, Robert Stack, Felix Bressart, Lionel Atwill, Stanley Ridges
Written byMelchior Lengyel, Edwin Justus Mayer
CinematographyRudolph Maté
EditingDorothy Spencer
MusicWerner R. Heymann
To Be or Not to Be
1942 · NR · 1h 39m
Comedy, War, Romance
During the Nazi occupation of Poland, an acting troupe becomes embroiled in a Polish soldier's efforts to track down a German spy.
