To Be or Not to Be

To Be or Not to Be is an imaginative war-time satire set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Poland, brought to life by the legendary Ernst Lubitsch’s comedic touch. Released in 1942, this sparkling black-comedy offers an astute blend of humor, suspense, and drama with a stellar cast ensemble led by Carole Lombard and Jack Benny, and featuring Robert Stack among its notable performers. The plot cleverly integrates elements of espionage, war, romance, and theater, while its narrative packs both comedic punches and perceptestive socio-political commentary.

The movie revolves around two central figures, Joseph Tura (Jack Benny) and his wife Maria Tura (Carole Lombard), who are wildly successful and slightly egotistical actors part of a theater troupe in Warsaw. The background of escalating conflict and the imminent threat of Nazi invasion bring an additional layer of tension to the couple's already chaotic theatrical existence. Joseph's inflated ego and Maria's flirtatious ways bring about some delightful complications and form the crux of many humorous situations.

The theater troupe's existence takes a dramatic turn when Poland is occupied by the Nazis. The pressure gets compounded by the entrance of Robert Stack's character - a young, dashing RAF pilot Lieutenant Stanislav Sobinski, who carries a torch for the glamorous Maria Tura. It isn't long before their chaotic comedy of errors bleeds into the high stakes world of political espionage and survival.

Lubitsch, known as a master of the sophisticated "Lubitsch Touch," displays his strength in balancing serious themes with his unique signature humor. He expertly uses the theatrical setting to blur the lines between reality and stagecraft effectively, throwing the audience into a delightful confusion of life-imitating-art and vice versa. The depiction of theater as a surreal mirror image of the real world draws attention to the absurdity of war and the spirit of resilience in oppressed societies.

Carole Lombard, in her last completed film role, lends an air of charming self-awareness to the character of Maria. Her comfortable handling of comedy and drama breathes life into her character's fiery independence and chaotic charm. Jack Benny, on the other hand, offers some of his best work in this film. His portrayal of Joseph, with his overblown theatrical antics and legitimate caring for his wife, finds an excellent balance between humor and warmth. The dynamic between Lombard and Benny provides a sparkling core to the narrative, with their theatrical performances yielding hilarious, unexpected twists.

Young Robert Stack brings in the energy and charm necessary to his role as the young Polish aviator, providing a serious counterpoint to Benny’s comedic Joseph. His character slips from the anonymous seat of the theater into Maria's romantic interest, ultimately leading him to play an essential role in the overarching narrative.

To Be or Not to Be uses ‘Hamlet’ references as running elements throughout the film, cleverly incorporating it into the script. This becomes a nod not only to the theatrical setting of the main characters but also serves as a veiled commentary on the absurdity of war and the resistance it provokes.

Despite being steeped in the dark realities of the war setting, the film stands as an enduring symbol of resilience in the face of oppression. The once stage performers now find themselves playing their most frantic and high-stakes performance of all: survival, survival with dignity and a defiance laced with humor.

Engaging, witty, and touching all at the same time, To Be or Not to Be is a bold spectacle of cinema that marries suspense with satire and comedy with commentary. Its deft navigation of tone and ground-breaking narrative structure defines Lubitsch's unique storytelling style and resonates with audiences even today. It showcases the power of humor and subtlety used as weapons in confronting grand socio-political realities and is indeed a must-watch for fans of classic Golden Age cinema.