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Trailer

To Be or Not to Be

1942Movie1 h 39 minNR

Comedy
87
ExcellentGoodWatch score
IMDb8.1Letterboxd4.3/5Metacritic867.9Rotten Tomatoes96%93%

A nostalgic, intriguing comedy movie about history and show business, with standout performances.

Good for date night · friends night · party vibe

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Not for scares.

Movies with

Story

The Picture Everyone Wants to See

During the Nazi occupation of Poland, an acting troupe becomes embroiled in a Polish soldier's efforts to track down a German spy.

Feels like

  • Classic Satirical Comedy
  • WWII Poland
  • Acting Troupes
  • Mistaken Identity
  • Political Intrigue
  • Sharp Dialogue
  • Melodramatic
  • Nostalgic

Cast

24 of 40

Crew

Directed by
Ernst Lubitsch
Written by
Edwin Justus Mayer, Melchior Lengyel
Produced by
Ernst Lubitsch
Music by
Werner R. Heymann

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

March 6, 1942 · 1 h 39 min · NR

Released
March 6, 1942
Runtime
1 h 39 min
Age rating
NR
Content
Violence
Genres
Comedy, War, Romance
Original language
English
Also spoken
German, French
Made in
United States
Budget
$1 million
Box office
$2 million
Available in
16 countries

Tropes

If I Do Not Return, Mood Whiplash, Translation Convention +9

  • If I Do Not Return
  • Mood Whiplash
  • Translation Convention
  • Catchphrase
  • Adaptation Relationship Overhaul
  • Double Take
  • Comically Missing the Point
  • Nice Job Breaking It, Hero!
  • Composite Character
  • Hitler Ate Sugar
  • Take That!
  • Take That!

12 of 96 tropes. From TV Tropes.

Q&A

5 questions, like "Where can I stream To Be or Not to Be?"

Questions about To Be or Not to Be

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream To Be or Not to Be?

HBO MaxCriterion

In the United States, To Be or Not to Be streams on HBO Max and Criterion. You can rent or buy it from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It also streams in 12 other countries.

Is To Be or Not to Be worth watching?

87
ExcellentGoodWatch score

Yes, it's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 87 (IMDb 8.1, Letterboxd 4.3 out of 5, Rotten Tomatoes 96%, and Metacritic 86).

Will To Be or Not to Be make me laugh?

Funny

Yes: the humor is mostly satire (9 of 10) and sharp wit (8 of 10).

Is To Be or Not to Be good for date night?

and 3 moreDate NightPartner WatchAdultsFriends NightParty Vibe

It can be: romance is 4 of 10, and the viewing guide lists it for date night.

What tropes does To Be or Not to Be use?

If I Do Not ReturnMood WhiplashTranslation ConventionCatchphraseAdaptation Relationship OverhaulDouble TakeComically Missing the PointNice Job Breaking It, Hero!Composite CharacterHitler Ate SugarTake That!Take That!and 84 more

TV Tropes lists 96 tropes for it, including If I Do Not Return, Mood Whiplash, and Translation Convention.