Playing for Time_
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.
Starring
Vanessa Redgrave, Jane Alexander, Maud Adams
Updated Feb 16, 2026
WHERE TO WATCH
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Year context
Playing for Time was released 46 years ago in 1980.
Overview
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 tal...
Playing for Time is a Drama, Music, History film with a runtime of 2h 30m.
CAST (20)
Vanessa Redgrave
Fania Fenelon
Jane Alexander
Alma Rose
Maud Adams
Mala
Christine Baranski
Olga
Robin Bartlett
Etalina
Marisa Berenson
Elzvieta
Verna Bloom
Paulette
DH
Donna Haley
Katrina
Lenore Harris
Charlotte
MK
Mady Kaplan
Varya
Will Lee
Shmuel
Anna Thomson
Michou
Viveca Lindfors
Frau Schmidt
Melanie Mayron
Marianne
MR
Marcell Rosenblatt
Giselle
Max Wright
Dr. Josef Mengele
Shirley Knight
Frau Lagerführerin Maria Mandel
Elaine Bromka
Tchiakowska
Clarence Felder
Commandant Kramer
Marta Heflin
Esther
STUDIOS (1)
Szygzy Productions
DETAILS
Release
Status
Released
Runtime
150 min (2h 30m)
Language
English
Country
Rating
6.8/10 (56 votes)
Popularity
3
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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.
How long is Playing for Time?
Playing for Time has a runtime of 150 minutes (2h 30m).
Who stars in Playing for Time?
The cast of Playing for Time includes Vanessa Redgrave, Jane Alexander, Maud Adams, Christine Baranski, Robin Bartlett.
What is the rating of Playing for Time?
Playing for Time has a rating of 6.8 out of 10 based on 56 votes on TMDB.
GENRES (4)
Drama
Music
History
TV Movie