To Be or Not to Be

Directed by Ernst Lubitsch
Passed
March 6, 1942    1h 39m    Box Office: $1.5MWar, Comedy,
8.196%93%7.8
Watch on Prime Video
On Prime Video
Buy $14.99Sponsored
During the German occupation of Poland, an acting troupe becomes embroiled in a Polish soldier's efforts to track down a German spy.
  • Carole LombardMaria Tura
  • Jack BennyJoseph Tura
  • Robert StackLieut. Stanislav Sobinski
  • Felix BressartGreenberg
  • Lionel AtwillRawitch
  • Stanley RidgesProfessor Alexander Siletsky
  • Sig RumanCol. Ehrhardt
  • Thomas J. DuganBronski
  • Charles HaltonProducer Dobosh
  • George LynnActor-Adjutant
  • Henry VictorCapt. Schultz
  • Maude EburneAnna
  • Halliwell HobbesGen. Armstrong
  • Miles ManderMajor Cunningham
  • Rudolph AndersGestapo Sergeant at Desk at Top of Hotel Stairs (uncredited)
  • Paul BarrettPolish RAF Pilot (uncredited)
  • Sven Hugo BorgGerman Soldier (uncredited)
  • Danny BorzageMember of Audience at Performance of Hamlet (uncredited)
  • Buster BrodieTownsman (uncredited)
  • Peter CaldwellWilhelm Kunze (uncredited)

To Be or Not to Be Ratings & Reviews

  • Gareth PriceFebruary 7, 2026
    Much of the humour in the first half falls flat, but the drama is well executed and the second half brings laughs
  • John MossJanuary 18, 2026
    Hits differently in 2026 as whiffs of fascism threaten America.
  • Bob BlanchettSeptember 28, 2025
    A lesson for today from 1942. Resistance works! Jack Benny and the Great Sig Ruman give glorious unforgettable lessons in double takes & facial motility as they stumble from one situational pratfall to another. Don't forget Mel Brooks devoted 1983 restaging!

Watch To Be or Not to Be Videos

  • To Be Or Not To Be
    To Be Or Not To BeTrailer

To Be or Not to Be Trivia

Get Plex on Your Devices

Free on 20+ platforms. Pick yours.
See all supported devices →