What is the duration of Playing for Time?

The duration of Playing for Time is 150 mins.

What is the original language of Playing for Time?

The original language of Playing for Time is English.

Who directed Playing for Time?

Playing for Time was directed by Joseph Sargent, Melanie Mayron, Daniel Mann.

Which studio made Playing for Time?

Playing for Time was produced by Szygzy Productions.

Playing for Time 1980

Q: Does Playing for Time have end credit scenes?

Playing for Time does not have end credit scenes.

History

Music

Drama

Runtime

150 mins

Language

English

A Jewish singer is abruptly taken from her concert hall and deported to Auschwitz, where she and a group of fellow musicians are forced to perform for the camp’s inmates. Their harrowing duty is to use music to calm prisoners destined for the gas chambers, offering fleeting moments of humanity amid unimaginable horror.

Szygzy Productions

Studio

Joseph Sargent

Director

Melanie Mayron

Director

Daniel Mann

Director

Does Playing for Time have end credit scenes?

No!

Playing for Time does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Playing for Time

Explore the complete cast of Playing for Time, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.

Max Wright

Dr. Josef Mengele

Vanessa Redgrave

Fania Fenelon

Jane Alexander

Alma Rose

Elaine Bromka

Tchiakowska

Marisa Berenson

Elzvieta

Christine Baranski

Olga

Maud Adams

Mala

Marta Heflin

Esther

Jeffrey Marcus

Rose's Husband (uncredited)

Verna Bloom

Paulette

Viveca Lindfors

Frau Schmidt

Tom Everett

Second Chess Player

Robin Bartlett

Etalina

Shirley Knight

Frau Lagerführerin Maria Mandel

Clarence Felder

Commandant Kramer

Peter Phillips

British Radio Man

Will Lee

Shmuel

Anna Thomson

Michou

Rick Washburn

Prisoner (uncredited)

John Griesemer

German Trooper

Donna Haley

Katrina

Mady Kaplan

Varya

Lenore Harris

Charlotte

Marcell Rosenblatt

Giselle

Martha Schlamme

Woman on train

Faith Catlin

Liesle

Grace Stover

Greta

Dorothy Sherwood

Berta

Sidney Sandness

Asthmatic Man

Thomas La Fleur

Boy Scout

Zvee Scooler

First Chessplayer

Mary Kay Fager

Polish Woman

Mary McGonical

Tattooer

Phyllis Vanier

Blockawa

Monica Merriman

Canadian Girl

Robert Lucey

Ladislaus

Lorraine Lucey

Ladislaus' Mother

Lee Jay Nelson

Edek

Robert Dannon

SS Officer

Spencer Waldron

SS Sergeant

Huggy-Bear Ferris

The Executioner

Al Butler

Nazi Officer (uncredited)

External Links and Streaming Options

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TMDb

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Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Playing for Time

Read the complete plot summary of Playing for Time, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.

Fania Fénelon, Vanessa Redgrave a French Jewish singer-pianist, is packed into a crowded train with other prisoners heading to Auschwitz during World War II. After disembarking, they have their belongings seized, clothes stripped, and their heads shaved, and they are processed into the brutal camp. Recognized for her musical talent, she learns that survival might be slightly easier if she joins the camp’s female orchestra, the Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz. In this environment, she forms a close bond with Alma Rosé, Jane Alexander the ensemble’s steadfast leader, and with the other musicians who become her companions. To improve her own chances, Fania convinces the guards and the orchestra members that another prisoner she befriended, Marianne, is a gifted singer. Marianne, Melanie Mayron auditions imperfectly but is allowed to join the orchestra. Yet performing for the Nazis strips the women of much of their dignity, and the contrast between their art and their oppression makes them question whether staying alive under the constant abuse is worthwhile.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

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Playing for Time Themes and Keywords

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nazi concentration campfemale prisonerfemale singerreference to giacomo puccinifemale pianistall female orchestraarrestcabaret singersingingsongparis francefemale accordion playerfemale violinistfemale drummerfrenchgermanarchive footagetraintrain trackjewishstar of davidcigarette smokingwoman wears a fur coatmilitary convoysubjective cameracrying babysufferingpaindead manboxcarman wears eyeglassessuitcasewhistlenudityfemale nudityrear nudityscissorstorturehit on the back of the headcrematoriumcrying womanfemale female embracereference to the resistanceboyfriend girlfriend relationshipfireshoveling coalgerman shepherd the dogguard doghandshakebowing

Playing for Time Other Names and Titles

Explore the various alternative titles, translations, and other names used for Playing for Time across different regions and languages. Understand how the film is marketed and recognized worldwide.

Holocausto de Mulheres Spiel um Zeit - Das Mädchenorchster in Auschwitz Sursis pour l'orchestre Había que sobrevivir Amarga Sinfonia de Auschwitz Ballata per un condannato תזמורת על תנאי Παίζοντας με το Χρόνο 죽음의 연주 集中营血泪 Kvinnoorkestern Тянуть время

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