Mel Brooks re-makes comedy classic

Press, 26 April 1984, Page 18

Mel Brooks re-makes comedy classic

Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft, real-life husband and wife, star together for the first time in “To Be or Not To Be,” which will start at the Cinerama tomorrow.

This comedy is about a Polish acting troupe which becomes involved in an outrageous scheme to save the Polish underground during World War 11.

“To Be or Not to Be” is based on the Ernost Lubitsch classic of 1942, with the new version staying faithful to the comic spirit of the original while giving it modern sensibility. The story still takes place in 1939 during the German invasion and occupation of Poland, and the major plot episodes still involve the Bronski Theatrical Company in many adventures leading up to its escape from Poland. The entertainment value has also been enhanced by the addition of several musical numbers that are comparable to the hilarious “Springtime for Hitler” in “The Producers,” and “Spanish Inquisition” in “History of the World — Part I.”

“Although we utilise all of the strong story points of the original,” says the director, Alan Johnson, “our version benefits from the advantage of knowing what was really going on in Europe then. When they made their picture, they didn’t even know if Poland would survive.” The new version also stars Charles Duming and Jose Ferrer.