''To Be or Not to Be'', 1942 - art by Benny Stilling
by Movie World Posters
Title
''To Be or Not to Be'', 1942 - art by Benny Stilling
Artist
Movie World Posters
Medium
Vintage Movie Poster
Description
A vintage Danish movie poster of ''To Be or Not to Be'', a classic black comedy film released in 1942, directed by Ernst Lubitsch. The film is notable for its satirical take on Nazi Germany and its clever blend of humor and social commentary during the tumultuous times of World War II.
The film is set in Warsaw, Poland, and follows a group of actors led by Joseph Tura (played by Jack Benny) and his wife Maria Tura (played by Carole Lombard). Joseph is a renowned Shakespearean actor, and Maria is a talented actress. Their theater troupe is rehearsing a production of Shakespeare's "Hamlet."
However, the outbreak of World War II disrupts their lives when Nazi Germany invades Poland. The Nazis' presence in Warsaw leads to various comedic and dramatic situations as the actors become unwittingly embroiled in espionage and resistance efforts against the German occupiers. Joseph and Maria find themselves caught up in a web of mistaken identities, impersonations, and secret missions as they try to outwit the Nazis and protect their fellow resistance members.
The film uses humor as a weapon against the Nazis, often relying on witty dialogue and absurd situations to lampoon the authoritarian regime. Jack Benny's portrayal of Joseph Tura, a pompous yet endearing actor, and Carole Lombard's portrayal of Maria Tura, a glamorous and quick-thinking actress, are central to the film's success.
Ernst Lubitsch's direction and the screenplay by Edwin Justus Mayer successfully balance the comedic elements with moments of tension and suspense. "To Be or Not to Be" is known for its sharp wit, memorable one-liners, and the famous line from Shakespeare's Hamlet, which serves as the film's title and a recurring motif throughout.
Despite its initial mixed reception due to its audacious satirical approach to a sensitive subject, "To Be or Not to Be" has since gained recognition as a classic of both comedy and wartime cinema. It is celebrated for its fearless critique of Nazi ideology and its ability to find humor even in the darkest of times. The film's enduring popularity has cemented its status as a classic of American cinema from the 1940s.
About the artist:
Benny Stilling was a Danish poster designer whose career spans from the 1940s through the 1960s. He had an extremely recognizable style, strongly linked to advertising and reminiscent of vintage advertising of the period. Over the three decades of his production, his style became more personal and modern.
Stilling's posters are characterized by highly marked black outlines and solid graphic elements. Figures of the actors are clearly detached from the backgrounds of their posters. While his choice of pastel background colors, such as powder blues, light greens, and pinks, is also a particular feature in much of his work. The modernity of Stilling's style became most apparent in the 1960s.
Search "Stilling" to see more of his art.
Uploaded
January 25th, 2022
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