Comedy
United States of America
To Be or Not to Be is a 1983 American comedy film directed by Alan Johnson and starring Mel Brooks, Anne Bancroft and Tim Matheson. It is a remake of Ernst Lubitsch's 1942 black comedy with the same name.
The film follows Frederick Bronski (Mel Brooks), a bad Polish actor who operates a theater troupe in Warsaw during World War II. His wife, Anna (Anne Bancroft), is also part of the troupe and has the habit of entertaining young Polish officers while Frederick is on stage, which only adds to his depression.
When Warsaw is invaded by the Germans, Frederick and Anna struggle to keep their theater open and their troupe employed. However, they soon find themselves caught up in a deadly web of politics and intrigue. Frederick is drawn into a plot to foil the Germans and help free Poland. Meanwhile, Anna becomes enamored with one of her young admirers, who returns to Warsaw on an important secret mission for the British government.
As the situation in Warsaw grows more dangerous, Frederick and Anna hatch a daring plan to escape with their troupe to England. They use their acting skills and impersonation techniques to slip past the Nazis and make their way to safety.
To Be or Not to Be is a hilarious satire that pokes fun at Nazi Germany and the pomposity of the theater world. The film received mixed reviews upon its release but has since become a cult classic. It is a must-see for fans of Mel Brooks and anyone who enjoys a good laugh.
