Anne Bancroft as Anna Bronski in 'To Be or Not to Be' Designed by Albert Wolsky

Silver lame' 1940's style dress with gathering at buntline, fitted waist, full long skirt, open cut long sleeves, fitted long cuff with buttons, self fabric rose at PL shoulder; pair of silver open toe heels with ankle strap (Diamante- Size 4 2/1).

The Films of 20th Century Fox, Tony Thomas, The Citadel Press, 1985, pg. 458 (photo).

Anne Bancroft is probably best known for her portrayal of Mrs. Robinson in “The Graduate,” a role that would overshadow the rest of her career. She was an accomplished actress who received the Academy Award and the Tony Award for performance in “The Miracle Worker.”

Bancroft proved herself to be a gifted comedian in the film “To Be or Not to Be,” concerning a Polish acting troupe at the beginning of WWII. She co-starred with her husband Mel Brooks with whom she sings (In Polish) and dances in the opening musical number “Sweet Georgia Brown.”

Academy Award winning designer, Albert Wolsky, got his start on Broadway and because of this background, worked with Bob Fosse on several of his films. This understanding of dancing costumes is shown in the musical number as Ms. Bancroft swirls and dances in the light weight silver lame 40’s styled gown in the film.