Playing for Time
Synopsis
When a Jewish songstress is plucked from the stage and sent to Auschwitz, she and other musicians find themselves assigned to a terrible task—using their talents to soothe fellow prisoners who are sentenced to die in the gas chambers.
Top Cast
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Vanessa Redgrave
Fania Fenelon
Jane Alexander
Alma Rose
Maud Adams
Mala
Christine Baranski
Olga
Robin Bartlett
Etalina
Marisa Berenson
Elzvieta
Verna Bloom
Paulette
Donna Haley
Katrina
Lenore Harris
Charlotte
Mady Kaplan
Varya
Will Lee
Shmuel
Anna Thomson
Michou
Viveca Lindfors
Frau Schmidt
Melanie Mayron
Marianne
Marcell Rosenblatt
Giselle
Max Wright
Dr. Josef Mengele
Shirley Knight
Frau Lagerführerin Maria Mandel
Elaine Bromka
Tchiakowska
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Daniel Mann, Joseph Sargent
- Screenplay & Story
- Arthur Miller, Fania Fénelon
- Original Score
- Brad Fiedel
- Original Title
- Playing for Time
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 30m
- Production Studios
- Szygzy Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Daniel Mann, Joseph Sargent
Arthur Miller, Fania Fénelon
Brad Fiedel
Arthur J. Ornitz
Jay Freund
John E. Quill, Bernard Sofronski, Linda Yellen
Department Leadership Roster
Daniel Mann
Director
Joseph Sargent
Director
Arthur Miller
Writer
John E. Quill
Producer
Bernard Sofronski
Producer
Linda Yellen
Producer
Brad Fiedel
Original Music Composer
Arthur J. Ornitz
Director of Photography
Jay Freund
Editor
Ruth Morley
Costume Design
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Playing for Time.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Playing for Time.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Playing for Time
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Playing for Time about?
When a Jewish songstress is plucked from the stage and sent to Auschwitz, she and other musicians find themselves assigned to a terrible task—using their talents to soothe fellow prisoners who are sentenced to die in the gas chambers.
Who directed Playing for Time?
Playing for Time was directed by Daniel Mann, Joseph Sargent.
Who stars in Playing for Time?
The principal cast of Playing for Time includes Vanessa Redgrave, Jane Alexander, Maud Adams, Christine Baranski, Robin Bartlett.
When was Playing for Time released and how long is it?
Playing for Time was released in 1980 with a total runtime of 2h 30m.
Who composed the musical score for Playing for Time?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Playing for Time was composed by Brad Fiedel.