X
- 1942
- Approved
- United Artists
- 1 h 39 m
- 1942
- Approved
- United Artists
- 1 h 39 m
Summary During the Nazi occupation of Poland, an acting troupe becomes embroiled in a Polish soldier's efforts to track down a German spy.
Directed By: Ernst Lubitsch
Written By: Melchior Lengyel, Edwin Justus Mayer, Ernst Lubitsch
- 1942
- Approved
- United Artists
- 1 h 39 m
- 1942
- Approved
- United Artists
- 1 h 39 m
To Be or Not to Be
86
8.0
Where to Watch
Summary During the Nazi occupation of Poland, an acting troupe becomes embroiled in a Polish soldier's efforts to track down a German spy.
Directed By: Ernst Lubitsch
Written By: Melchior Lengyel, Edwin Justus Mayer, Ernst Lubitsch
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 13 Critic Reviews
86
85% Positive
11 Reviews
11 Reviews
8% Mixed
1 Review
1 Review
8% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 13 Critic Reviews
86
85% Positive
11 Reviews
11 Reviews
8% Mixed
1 Review
1 Review
8% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
A masterpiece of satire and one of the more controversial films of its day, TO BE OR NOT TO BE is a brilliant example of how comedy can be as effective in raising social and political awareness as a serious propaganda film, while still providing hilarious entertainment.
To Be or Not to Be, co-starring Carole Lombard and Jack Benny, under expert guidance of Ernst Lubitsch, is absorbing drama with farcical trimmings. It's an acting triumph for Lombard, who delivers an effortless and highly effective performance that provides memorable finale to her brilliant screen career.
One of Hollywood’s funniest, and most poignant, classics.
Because the second half of To Be Or Not To Be, once Benny starts impersonating Nazis, is so outlandishly hilarious, it’s easy to forgive the film’s comparatively sluggish first half, which is mostly setup for gags to come.
In a spirit of levity, contused by frequent doses of shock, Mr. Lubitsch has set his actors to performing a spy-thriller of fantastic design amid the ruins and frightful oppressions of Nazi-in-vaded Warsaw. To say it is callous and macabre is understating the case.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 25 User Ratings
8.0
92% Positive
23 Ratings
23 Ratings
0% Mixed
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
8% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 25 User Ratings
8.0
92% Positive
23 Ratings
23 Ratings
0% Mixed
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
8% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.
Awards
Academy Awards, USA
• 1 Nomination
Sant Jordi Awards
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
National Film Preservation Board, USA
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
