A troupe of sub-par stage performers square off against the Nazis in occupied Poland circa 1942. By applying their skills of performance, disguise and suspension of disbelief they attempt to scupper a plot to supply the enemy with secrets that could endanger the resistance. In the midst of all this are the infidelious shenanigans of the troupe’s male and female leads, Josef and Maria – a married couple determined to cheat on each other. Lubitsch, now working in Hollywood, takes an excellent crackshot at his former home nation in this delightfully aescerbic comedy with incredible dialogue and larger than life performances. Mel Brooks would later remake it, but this original version is wll worth checking out.
To Be Or Not To Be
