To Be or Not to Be

This is an unnecessary but not displeasing remake of Ernst Lubitsch's 1942 film, which is an undisputed classic (and one of my own all-time favorites). It turned out very faithful to the original: wisely, Brooks opted not to spoof what was already a black comedy – this may have had something to do with his decision not to write and direct the film himself. The fast-moving plot still works beautifully, though the jokes tend to fall flat – since they don't have the same immediacy of the wartime years, while the level of acting is far below that of the 1942 version. The remake adds sentimentality and the unfortunate inevitability of a gay stereotype; all in all, however, Brooks' earlier lampoon of Nazism in the form of the "Springtime For Hitler" set-piece in THE PRODUCERS (1968) was much more effective. There are, nonetheless, a couple of good songs here – while the original's gem of a final gag involving Hitler has been replaced by an equally priceless one. As I said, the leads are no match for Jack Benny and Carole Lombard from the 1942 version (and are overage to boot) – though it was certainly nice to watch real-life couple Brooks (who, unsurprisingly, gets to double as both Professor Siletsky and Hitler) and Anne Bancroft playing alongside each other for once. Still, Jose' Ferrer fills the old Stanley Ridges role more than adequately…but, then, Charles Durning makes for a poor substitute to Sig Rumann in the all-important role of Colonel "Concentration Camp" Erhardt (amazingly, Durning's rather forced performance here was nominated for an Oscar!).

source: To Be or Not to Be

To Be or Not to Be

I loved the Benny/Lombard version but Brookes and Bancroft are so personable you cannot help but love this. Durning was so funny and Christopher Lloyd was great.... I liked it.

What a refreshing film about World War II that shows the truth about Poles who fought against the Nazi rule. Brooks and his wife shine in this comedy in Warsaw as they protect Jews and gays in those grim days. What great acting. What a classic film. !!!! It should be in the top 250. Mel Brooks has the magic touch

Actually, when interviewed about this movie, Mel Brooks said it was an homage to Jack Benny. And if you look, the Bronskis live on Kubelsky Street, Benny Kubelsky is Jack Benny's real name. There are many other touches that also show Brooks' love for the original. Anne Bancroft is a true treat. Her comedic talents shine, she was truly a rare actress, and will be missed. It was well done, with Mel Brooksian flair, and respectful of the original. I won't add comments about the acting, there are so many pros and cons at this point, one more won't make a difference. But if you have some free time, see BOTH of the movies. It's not sacrilege to like them both.

I know that this was a remake of a 1942 Ernst Lubitsch movie, but I've never seen the Lubitsch version. So, the Mel Brooks version of "To Be or Not to Be" is the one that I know. And I really like it. Just as he did in "The Producers", Mel makes the audience laugh hysterically at the Nazis (also accomplished by Charlie Chaplin and Roberto Benigni). Like many movies, it goes to show that humor really is the best way to deal with political issues...and also that Mel didn't have to be completely silly to come up with great ideas. Too bad that Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft didn't co-star more often, as they were definitely a cool team here. You're sure to love it. And just remember what to do the next time that you have to deal with chronic invaders... Also starring Tim Matheson, Charles Durning, Christopher Lloyd and Estelle Reiner.