To Be or Not to Be

In the midst of World War II, a Polish acting troupe becomes embroiled in a plot to outwit the Nazis and save their country.

In Ernst Lubitsch's "To Be or Not to Be", a Polish acting troupe uses their theatrical skills to outwit and sabotage Nazis during WWII. A brilliant blend of comedy and drama that highlights the power of performance. #ClassicCinema #WWII #LubitschTouch

Polish acting troupe uses their skills to fool Nazis during WWII. Comedy, drama, and suspense as they impersonate officers to save themselves and the resistance.

Just watched Ernst Lubitsch's "To Be or Not to Be"! A brilliant blend of comedy and drama set in WWII-era Poland. It's about a troupe of actors who use their skills to fool the Nazis and save their country. Jack Benny and Carole Lombard's performances are unforgettable! A must-watch for classic film lovers. #ClassicCinema #WWIIFilm #LubitschTouch

To Be or Not to Be is a 1942 comedy directed by Ernst Lubitsch. The film is set in Nazi-occupied Warsaw and follows a group of actors who use their skills to outwit the Nazis and help the resistance. The main characters are a married couple, Joseph and Maria Tura, who are both actors in a theater company. When a member of the resistance asks for their help in a mission, they must use their acting abilities to impersonate high-ranking Nazi officials and gather information. However, their plans are complicated when Maria becomes the target of a Nazi officer's affections. As they navigate dangerous situations and comedic misunderstandings, the actors must also grapple with the moral dilemma of whether to prioritize their own safety or the greater good. In the end, they must make a daring decision that could have deadly consequences. With clever humor and sharp wit, To Be or Not to Be is a satirical take on the serious subject of Nazi occupation.

• Joseph and Maria Tura: Joseph and Maria are a married couple and the stars of a Polish theater troupe in 1939 Warsaw. Joseph is a renowned actor known for his dramatic performances, while Maria is known for her beauty and charm.
• Professor Siletsky: Siletsky is a German spy who is posing as a Polish resistance member. He is tasked with gathering information about the resistance movement in Poland.
• Colonel Ehrhardt: Ehrhardt is a high-ranking Nazi officer who is in charge of the occupation of Poland. He becomes infatuated with Maria and attempts to seduce her.
• Greenberg: Greenberg is a member of the theater troupe and a loyal friend to Joseph and Maria. He is also secretly in love with Maria.
• Dobosh: Dobosh is a member of the theater troupe and a skilled impersonator. He is enlisted by Joseph and Maria to help them in their plan to deceive the Nazis.

The movie begins with Joseph and Maria preparing for their upcoming performance of “Hamlet” at their theater in Warsaw. However, their plans are interrupted when they receive news that the Nazis have invaded Poland. The theater is shut down and the troupe is forced to disband.

Meanwhile, Professor Siletsky arrives in Warsaw and meets with the resistance group, including Greenberg. He convinces them that he is a member of the resistance and gains their trust. However, Siletsky is actually a German spy and his real mission is to gather information about the resistance movement.

Joseph and Maria, along with the rest of the troupe, are devastated by the closure of their theater. However, they soon come up with a plan to use their acting skills to deceive the Nazis. They decide to impersonate Siletsky and his mistress in order to gain access to important information and sabotage the Nazis’ plans.

Dobosh, a skilled impersonator, is enlisted to help Joseph and Maria in their plan. They successfully impersonate Siletsky and his mistress and are able to gather valuable information about the Nazis’ plans. However, their plan hits a roadblock when Colonel Ehrhardt, a high-ranking Nazi officer, becomes infatuated with Maria and starts to suspect that something is amiss.

As Joseph and Maria continue to deceive the Nazis, they also have to deal with their own personal problems. Greenberg confesses his love for Maria, causing tension between him and Joseph. Maria also struggles with her feelings for Ehrhardt, as she is torn between her loyalty to her husband and her desire to survive.

The situation becomes even more complicated when the real Siletsky arrives in Warsaw and exposes Joseph and Maria’s plan. The Nazis capture the entire troupe and prepare to execute them. However, in a twist of fate, the real Siletsky is killed and Joseph and Maria are able to escape.

In the end, Joseph and Maria are reunited with their troupe and they all manage to escape to England. They are hailed as heroes for their bravery and cleverness in deceiving the Nazis. The movie ends with Joseph and Maria performing “Hamlet” once again, this time in front of a grateful and appreciative audience.

In conclusion, “To Be or Not to Be” is a clever and witty satire that uses humor to depict the serious and dangerous situation in Nazi-occupied Poland. The movie showcases the power of art and the bravery of ordinary people in the face of oppression and tyranny. With its clever plot and memorable characters, this film remains a classic in the history of cinema.

1. What is the movie To Be or Not to Be about?
   
   The movie is a satirical comedy about a group of actors in Nazi-occupied Poland who use their skills to outwit the Nazis.
2. Who directed To Be or Not to Be?
   
   The movie was directed by Ernst Lubitsch.
3. When was To Be or Not to Be released?
   
   The movie was released in 1942.
4. Who are the main actors in To Be or Not to Be?
   
   The main actors are Carole Lombard and Jack Benny.
5. Is To Be or Not to Be based on a true story?
   
   No, the movie is not based on a true story.
6. What is the significance of the title To Be or Not to Be?
   
   The title is a reference to the famous line from Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, and also reflects the theme of the movie which deals with the choices people make in difficult situations.
7. What genre does To Be or Not to Be fall under?
   
   The movie is a comedy, specifically a satire.
8. Is To Be or Not to Be a black and white film?
   
   Yes, the movie is in black and white.
9. What language is To Be or Not to Be in?
   
   The movie is in English.
10. Did To Be or Not to Be receive any awards or nominations?
    
    Yes, the movie was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Music, Original Score.
11. What is the running time of To Be or Not to Be?
    
    The running time is 99 minutes.
12. Is To Be or Not to Be available to watch online?
    
    Yes, the movie can be streamed on various platforms such as Amazon Prime and iTunes.
13. Does To Be or Not to Be have any sequels?
    
    No, there are no sequels to the movie.
14. What is the rating for To Be or Not to Be?
    
    The movie is rated PG for mild violence and language.
15. Is To Be or Not to Be suitable for children?
    
    The movie is recommended for older children and adults.
16. What is the overall critical reception of To Be or Not to Be?
    
    The movie received positive reviews from critics and has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
17. Is To Be or Not to Be available on DVD or Blu-ray?
    
    Yes, the movie is available on both DVD and Blu-ray.
18. What is the significance of the release date of To Be or Not to Be?
    
    The movie was released during World War II, which adds to its satirical commentary on the Nazi regime.
19. What is the main theme of To Be or Not to Be?
    
    The main theme is the power of laughter and satire in the face of oppression.
20. Does To Be or Not to Be have any notable quotes?
    
    Yes, one notable quote is “So they call me Concentration Camp Ehrhardt, eh?”
21. What is the budget for To Be or Not to Be?
    
    The budget for the movie was $1.2 million.
22. Is To Be or Not to Be a remake of an earlier film?
    
    Yes, the movie is a remake of a 1939 film of the same name.
23. What is the significance of the casting of Carole Lombard and Jack Benny?
    
    The casting of these two comedic actors adds to the humor and satire of the movie.
24. Does To Be or Not to Be have any historical inaccuracies?
    
    Yes, there are some historical inaccuracies in the movie, such as the portrayal of the Nazis as bumbling fools.
25. Is To Be or Not to Be considered a classic film?
    
    Yes, the movie is considered a classic in the genre of comedy and satire.
26. What is the legacy of To Be or Not to Be?
    
    The movie has been praised for its clever writing and performances, and has been referenced in other works of popular culture.