RFF: To Be or Not to Be

Part of The Resistance Film Festival

“Might in some ways be a predecessor to The Daily Show with its use of derisive laughter towards a serious subject such as Nazism’s power.” – Peter Wong, Broke-Ass Stuart

“Few Hollywood masters who could make a film like this, where the entire lunacy of Nazism can be lampooned in such a devilishly clever way at a time when there was absolutely nothing funny about what was going on in Poland in 1942.” – Elliot Lavine, Broke-Ass Stuart

Introduction by festival curator & former Roxie programmer, Elliot Lavine!

One of the most audacious Hollywood comedies to come out of World War II and the scourge of Nazism. Acting couple Joseph and Maria Tura are managing a theatrical troupe when the Nazis invade Poland. Maria is having an affair with Lieutenant Sobinski, who suspects Professor Siletsky is a Nazi spy. With Siletsky in possession of a list of members of the Polish resistance, the Turas’ company takes action. Using their skill for impersonation, Joseph and company must confuse the Nazis and stop Siletsky from handing over the list. Utilizing a boldly satirical tone and pitch-perfect casting, this miraculous film has become one of the true classics of the Resistance Movement. Starring Carole Lombard, Jack Benny, Robert Stack, Felix Bressart. Screenplay by Edwin Justus Mayer. Photographed by Rudolph Mate. Directed by Ernst Lubitsch. In B&W. 99 mins. 1942.