The Canon / Parallax Editorial Archive
Curated by Pedro Neves, Founder of Parallax
To Be or Not to Be
Directed by Ernst Lubitsch
1942•1h 39m•NR•★ 8.0
Comedy / War
Synopsis
A theatrical troupe of Polish Shakespearean actors in Nazi-occupied Warsaw use their acting skills and disguise to outwit the Gestapo, protect the underground resistance, and track down a traitorous spy. Ernst Lubitsch's peerless high-wire masterpiece of anti-fascist comic brilliance starring Carole Lombard and Jack Benny.
Official Trailer
Click poster preview to play
Watch Official Trailer
To Be or Not to Be
Curator Notes
No curator notes yet
Start documenting your personal thoughts about this edition.
Director Spotlight
Cinematic Profile
Ernst Lubitsch
Editorial Context
CanonContemplative
The Canon
The permanent living editorial archive curated by Pedro Neves, Founder of Parallax.
CuratedScholarly
Criterion Collection
A continuing series of important classic and contemporary films.
CuratedScholarly
Essential Cinema
Foundational masterworks and landmark features defining cinematic craft.
Continue Exploring
Cast & Crew
DirectorErnst Lubitsch
WriterEdwin Justus Mayer
CinematographyRudolph Maté
MusicWerner R. Heymann
Principal Cast
Carole LombardMaria Tura
Jack BennyJoseph Tura
Robert StackLieut. Stanislav Sobinski
Felix BressartGreenberg
Lionel AtwillRawitch
Stanley RidgesProfessor Alexander Siletsky
Sig RumanCol. Ehrhardt
Tom DuganBronski
Technical Specifications
Runtime1h 39m (99 mins)
Catalogued Editions
No catalogued editions found for this film.
Collector Status
Not Yet Collected
Production Details
DirectorErnst Lubitsch
LanguagesEnglish
CountryUS
StudioRomaine Film • United Artists
Collector Actions (Future)
Mark as Watched
Rate Film
Add Personal Notes
Add Edition
Start Viewing Session
About
Support
Buy Me a Coffee ☕
Enjoying Parallax? Buy me a coffee and help keep the lights on. ☕