The Projection Booth Podcast

Episode 399: To Be or Not To Be (1942)

4 snips
Jan 15, 2019
A discussion about Ernst Lubitsch's 'To Be or Not To Be' highlights its open mockery of Nazis during a time when it wasn't widely acceptable. The complex handling of Nazism, portrayal of characters, and use of humor and propaganda in the film are explored. The background and influences of the film, as well as the ambiguous romantic relationships, are also analyzed.
Ask episode
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
1
Introduction
00:00 • 3min
2
To Be or Not To Be: Mocking Nazis in American Cinema
02:54 • 12min
3
Making Movies and Film Industry Connections
14:51 • 4min
4
Behind-the-Scenes of 'To Be or Not To Be (1942)'
19:14 • 14min
5
Humor, Propaganda, and Ideology
33:37 • 4min
6
The Complexities of Handling Nazism in Film
37:09 • 13min
7
Discussion on the portrayal of 'Concentration Camp Air' and other characters in 'To Be or Not to Be'
50:21 • 3min
8
Coded Metaphors, War Scenes, Gravestones, and the Appointment Book
53:05 • 2min
9
Conclusion of Interview, Sponsors Mentioned
54:50 • 3min
10
The Background and Influences of 'To Be or Not To Be'
58:11 • 9min
11
Favorite Actors and Their Impact on Films
01:07:01 • 4min
12
The Ambiguity of Romantic Relationships and the Importance of Emotional Connections
01:10:47 • 16min
13
Conversations about Getting Lucky, Casino Games, and Propaganda in Art
01:27:04 • 2min
14
Chaplin and Lubitsch's Films: Breaking Taboos and Promoting Peace
01:28:44 • 11min
15
Humor and Clarity in Lubitsch Films
01:39:24 • 8min
16
To Be or Not to Be: A Comparison of Film Versions
01:47:27 • 10min
17
Casting Choices and the Use of Voiceover
01:56:59 • 21min
18
Gratitude, Sponsorship, and Upcoming Concerts
02:17:33 • 2min