A 1983 war comedy that dared to remake a classic with Mel Brooks

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Mel Brooks produced and starred in this 1983 remake of the 1942 film To Be or Not to Be. The story follows a Warsaw theater troupe navigating Nazi occupation through elaborate disguises and theatrical ruses. Critics remained sharply divided on whether the film was a heartfelt tribute or a misjudged effort.

Directed by Alan Johnson, the 1983 film features Mel Brooks as Frederick Bronski, a theater owner who constantly undermines his wife, Anna, played by Anne Bancroft. The plot centers on the couple and their troupe as they use their acting skills to outwit the Gestapo in occupied Poland. Unlike the 1942 original, where the character of Siletski was a serious threat, this version reimagines him as a buffoonish figure. The film also introduces the character Sasha, a dresser whose persecution as a homosexual highlights the broader range of Nazi atrocities, a departure from the original's focus.

The production faced mixed reactions from contemporary critics. Vincent Canby of The New York Times praised its farcical energy, while Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times argued that the film struggled to balance its comedic tone with the historical reality of the Holocaust. Some reviewers, including Gary Arnold, felt the remake was unnecessary and lacked the sophisticated wit associated with the original director, Ernst Lubitsch. Despite these critiques, the film was noted for its warmth and traditional narrative structure, standing out as one of the more plot-driven entries in Brooks's filmography.

Commercially, the film did not achieve significant success, grossing $13,030,214. Its critical reception remains split, holding a 55% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 61 score on Metacritic. While some critics like Gene Siskel initially found the humor lacking, they noted that the film's sentiment resonated more strongly upon a second viewing. Ultimately, the film serves as a testament to the enduring nature of its source material, even as it grapples with the challenge of adapting a wartime farce for a modern audience aware of the full extent of Nazi evil.

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