To Be Or Not To Be

Today’s quick review: To Be Or Not To Be. Frederick (Mel Brooks) and Anna Bronski (Anne Bancroft), a pair of renowned Polish theater actors, fall onto hard times when Germany invades Poland at the start of World War II. When Andre Sobinski (Tim Matheson), a displaced Polish lieutenant and an admirer of Anna, is sent back to Poland by British Intelligence, the couple are embroiled in a dangerous attempt to keep a list of Polish Underground members from falling into the hands of the Nazis.

To Be Or Not To Be is a comedy from Mel Brooks. Mel Brooks stars as Frederick Bronski, whose skill at comedy is equaled by his ineptitude at drama. Anne Bancroft plays opposite him as Anna Bronski, his wife and acting partner. Unbeknownst to Frederick, Anna has been meeting with Sobinski backstage during his act. The trio are forced to put aside their personal problems when a Nazi spy gets his hands on a list that could spell the end of the Polish resistance.

While the tone of To Be Or Not To Be is consistently light, the serious subject mater offers less escape than that of a typical comedy. The plot itself could easily belong to a wartime thriller, and only the comedic treatment of individual scenes and constant jabs at the Nazis keep it from descending into drama. The comedy is pleasant and clever, very naturally offering chances for the Bronskis to act their way out of trouble.

Watch To Be Or Not To Be if you are looking for a competent comedy with more serious undertones. While the humor edges out the drama, the plot carries a bit more weight than most comedies; plan accordingly. Skip it if you are looking for a more outrageous comedy.

6.8 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for strong cast and writing but subject matter a touch too serious for its style of comedy.

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