A humorous political satire comedy from Charlie Chaplin

My idea of the perfect satire: biting, genuinely funny, ageless and ecumenical in its truly moving final speech. Chaplin was never better.

Hysterical movie with a serious, inspirational ending. I love it.

Outstanding plot. Awesome message.

I really liked the fist half of The Great Dictator, but I lost a lost of interest in the second half. I thought it picked back up in the ending though.

Charlie Chaplin, you absolute dawg. This 5’5 lil gangster directed, wrote, produced, and composed the score (not to mention playing both of the main characters) for the single greatest comedic film ever made, and he did it all at a time when Gandhi was still alive. The comedy of this film is beyond brilliant. Blending a dry subtlety with bouts of ferocious slapstick is no easy task, but harder still is tackling such prickly material (especially in his time) with such an exuberance of nuanced confidence that you ground everything in wondrous character work, build your farce upon that storytelling, and then deploy character and conversation driven comedy as the catalyst for the satirical goal. This film is a culmination of everything that comedy ought to be. Phenomenally directed, with a message that (while obviously relevant in all eras) spoke transcendent volumes in 1940, “The Great Dictator” not only features perhaps the greatest monologue in the history of film, but also contains one of the greatest performances I’ve ever seen from any actor, ever. Comedy has never been the same.

The first "talkie" from Chaplin. I'll say he nailed it... But the most interesting part is that with all that, the film is worth its status, with just the final speech alone; one that is no comedy at all, one that can apply today.

A must-see for classic film enjoyers.

It's crazy to think of a time when winning WWII wasn't a given but also a time when it looked like evil would win by all measures. And despite all that, this was made and still manages to make light of the situation while also being extremely hopeful that dictatorships/facism is just a passing thing in the march forward to good and progress. And the best remedy is to just laugh at how ridiculous it is. Really the only issue the music is really good but not super memorable on it's own or catchy. Everything else is masterfully done. Chaplin's physical acting, playing two characters, and his end speech are just masterful and above all else funny and engaging. It feels like a silent film weaved together with a Lubitsch film. The jokes always get a chuckle or are very clever even though I never laughed hysterically like Airplane type jokes. It's always funny, clever, engaging, and has plenty of gags and visual scenes I haven't ever seen before. All of it is worth it to get to the end speech and man....does it hit hard. As relevant as it was in 1940 and a All Time Classic everyone should watch once. Probably Chaplin's most accessible film as well given it's a talkie too.

It's a little less great than people are willing to admit (a lot of Chaplin's comedic sensibilities at this time were still entrenched in antics that work better in silent movies) but there's so much to admire here and the parody of Nazi Germany holds up remarkably well.

Never seen but Charlie Chaplin is funny and Hitler jokes are fun

By far the best anti-war speech in the history of cinema... truly a great example for many generations.I'm still having a hard time realizing that the movie is out in 1940

A Political Satire where Charlie Chaplin displays his skill with Talkies By; John Byrne The Great Dictator by Charlie Chaplin, was Chaplin's first production with synced sound. Despite being the first he performed very well in both of his roles as the antisemitic dictator and the Jewish barber. Filled with physical comedy he was known for, that I found shared similarities with The Three Stooges I was laughing at the slapstick comedy as much as the political satire. This film was first released in 1940 just after the start of WWII, but Chaplin like many across the world were aware of Adolf Hitler's rise to power in the 1930s and the antisemitic rhetoric that he campaigned and grew popular on. This film ridiculed Adolf Hitler, Nazis and antisemitism. In his role as both actor, writer and director Chaplin created a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. Watching it today in 2023 I drew many similarities to our American election in 2016 and 2020 and the presidency of Donald Trump as well as the rise in nationalist politicians across the world. The film was relevant at the time not only because WWII had just started but because America had not yet entered the war. Having watched Napoleon Dynamite recently I found similarities in the use of comedy to deliver a powerful message. Napoleon Dynamite attended a school where some groups of kids made fun of and bullied other students, Napoleon among the students that were bullied. Some of these students would use derogatory terms when talking about Napoleons new friend, a new student and of Mexican descent. Napoleon's home life wasn't much better, he lived with a mother that would leave for a week or more an older brother that bullied him and an uncle that also bullied him. In this film we see it resolve by Napoleon conquering some of his own anxieties and playing tetherball with the girl he likes. In The Great Dictator the movie ends with the Jewish Barber assume the role of dictator in a comedic twist of events. Both movies known for their use of one liners and social impact at the time of release. I would recommend this movie to everyone, going into the movie I had few expectations, but I knew I Charlie Chaplin was a legend to come out of the silent film era. I was pleased to hear dialogue between the characters and the film was comedic enough to keep me entertained throughout. Despite being about such a serious topic the movie was overall still very funny.

"… it'll carry weight" "You mean I will carry weight HAHAHA." In 2023 making jokes about any subject matter that is painful for anyone is widely considered offensive. But I grew up in the 1990s so that type of stuff doesn't bother me. I am a former standup comedian and a current fan of all things comedy… with that said this movie was an absolute masterpiece. I can understand how some people might watch this movie and be offended… and to those people I say "why is your life so sad? Get it together you bum." "The Great Dictator" written, directed, starring, and produced by the great Charlie Chaplin is the story of a Jewish Barber who suffered amnesia at the end of World War I, returning home a fictional country (Tomainia) who was on the losing end of that war. It takes place roughly 20 years after the end of the war and because of the barber's traumatic brain injury he does not know how much time has passed thinking he has only been away from his beloved Barber shop for only a couple of weeks. I have always heard about this movie but never made the time to see it because I normally find old comedies to be very of the time, and I don't generally find that entertaining. The great dictator was released in 1940 so it sat in the category of movies I would actively avoid. But I did know a general background of the movie… it's supposed to lampoon Adolf Hitler and the rise of the Nazi party in Germany before World War II (electric boogaloo). I had very low expectations for how funny I would find this movie, and the one thing that stood out to me in the first 25 minutes were the similarities to movies written and directed by Mel Brooks such as Blazing Saddles and Spaceballs. Spaceballs was a very silly movie with no real message attached to it, blazing saddles on the other hand is very much in the same vein as the great dictator where it tackles a very painful very dark depressing social issue in racism. The great dictator tackles anti-Semitism head on showing just how terrible the lives of the Jews in the ghetto work but masterfully weaves in humor not to dull the message but in an effort to make the viewing experience more enjoyable. Charlie Chaplin is unquestionably the biggest star of the silent movie era and that's evident throughout this movie there are certain scenes where chaplain leans heavily on physical comedy that you might see in a silent movie but on the other side of the coin, he also uses very effective joke delivery verbally. Near the beginning of the movie there is a scene where the Barber gets into a fight with a pair of the stormtroopers (the movies depiction fo the SS). During the scuffle he ends up getting hit on the head and does a very silent movie era over sell of being hit where he stumbles up and down the street going on and off the curb which I found very funny. But again it's not just silent movie error humor that he uses, for example the title of this review... Chaplain who also played the dictator Hynkel is speaking to Garbitsch (pronounced garbage) and he suggests that high goal dance with the wife of a neighboring dictator to help insert dominance over him, telling him that "it will carry weight". Knowing this woman they are speaking about is an overweight lady Hynkel's response of "You mean I will carry weight" is absolute gold. The social impact of this movie can't be understated. As stated, the great dictator was released in 1940, which was before the United states even entered World War II. Meaning that the knowledge of the mistreatment of Jews by the Nazis in Germany was widespread. The courage it took for Charlie Chaplin to take such a thinly veiled shot at such a powerful dictator is something that should be admired. But at the same time the ability to make that shot powerful as well as entertaining was absolutely amazing. I give this movie 9 fat dictator wives out of 10.

The Great Dictator was released in 1940. It was written and directed by the great Charles Chaplin himself. He also starred in the movie alongside Paulette Goddard and Jack Oakie. The movie was satire and it made fun of the Nazis and Hitler. It was about a dictator who wanted to kill all the Jews and dominate the world only to be mistaken for a barber and have that same barber, who escaped a concentration camp, replace him and end the war and the misery that he had caused. The great performance of Charlie Chaplin is one of the biggest reasons why the movie was successful. I watched this movie for the first time today and I have never heard of it before this week. I was not expecting much from it when I started watching the movie. I know about Chaplin as everyone else. My expectation was that this movie would be a silent film where Chaplin does all those same stunts and acts funny. When I watched the actual movie, I realized that this was critique of the mindset of dictators like Hitler and it made all the ideas and the uniforms as well as everything the Nazis stood for sound very silly. Chaplin was up to his old comedy tricks which were funny. But, he also showed great acting and range to go from the funny to the serious and inspiring in the same movie. He was playing two different characters in the movie. One could say that he carried the movie by himself. The movie touches on the issue of racism towards Jews and other minorities. This is a similar them to what we see in Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing. The difference is that the historical contexts are different with The Great Dictator coming in the time of World War II when the Holocaust was going on. My recommendation would be to see this movie for sure. I am surprised that nobody has mentioned this to me before now. It is a great movie.

I am making a post review for my class. In the movie the Great Dictator directed by Charlie Chapman who was also one of the main actors as a barber owner who lived in the Ghetto in Germany tries to bring humor during a horrible time in history by going against the storm troopers and the famous Hinkel who was Adolf Hitler who was also played by Charlie Chapman. During that time Hitler was killing and executing Jewish people because of there Ethnic and religious beliefs background as a Jew. Charlie Chapman was able to bring some humor and happiness to the people thru film with the help of some of the following his friend Hannah played by Paulette Goddard she lived next store to the barber shop he worked at and became real close. As well as Schultz played by Reginald Gardner who was saved by Chaplain by guiding is plane out of harms way against the enemy little did he know they would be come great friends and who also help bring humor to the film. On the side of fence there was some great humor with some actors such as Herring who is played by Bill Gilbert and who was one of Hinkel right hand man (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0374900/fullcredits?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm) There was a scene in the movie thought was funny when he was trying to show Hinkel some stuff he was working on with scientists and they all failed one included a man jumping out the window and he fell which I thought was funny because he was suppose to fly. Thru Charlie film he showed people what was going on in there country and the movie even made it way to the US and was broadcasted and released around 1940 (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032553/releaseinfo/).

"The Great Dictator" is one of those films that sneaks up on you. What may be easily passed off as "just another old movie" can quickly become one of the most influential films you've ever watched. This cinematic gem was directed, written, and produced by none other than THE legendary Charlie Chaplin. This iconic piece takes a bold leap into the realms of political satire, and even eight decades after its release, it is still a powerful statement against totalitarianism, wrapped in Chaplin's iconic brand of humor. The film is set against the bleak backdrop of the 1930s, a period marked by the rise of Adolf Hitler and the looming threat of another great war. Chaplin, in dual roles, plays one Adenoid Hynkel, who is a ruthless dictator who is an obvious portrayal of Hitler, and a Jewish barber who is eventually mistaken for Hynkel. The climax of the mix-up sets the stage for a hilarious but poignant exploration of identity, power, and humanity. The film stands out for its bold social justice message. In a time when the world was grappling with the horrors of fascism, Chaplin used his platform to highlight the absurdity and cruelty of totalitarian regimes. I think his portrayal of Hynked as a bumbling, megalomaniacal leader is comical and at times thought-provoking. As I was watching the film, I drew parallels to things that I read about Hitler, and like when watching Hynkel I caught myself thinking, "Who would follow this guy?." Historically speaking, the film is a snapshot of the world on the brink of war. Chaplin's decision to release "The Great Dictator" in 1940, when the United States had not yet entered the conflict, was a courageous move. It was a call to action and a plea for the world to unite against tyranny. I think it was exactly the film that the world needed to lay the mental groundwork needed to start standing up to the looming threat of the Nazi regime. The film's closing speech, delivered by Chaplin as the Jewish barber, remains one of the most powerful moments in cinematic history, advocating for peace, democracy, and human dignity. Because of the political setting at the time of its release, you know that when Chaplin delivers his monologue, he's speaking to every single person watching the film. He was, at that moment, not playing a part in a film but begging the world for help in his moral fight. Chaplin's cinematic devices set this film apart from commercial movies of its time. The film seamlessly combines humor and satire with moments of genuine, tear-jerking emotion. The usage of sharp editing and Chaplin's physical comedy prowess creates a unique blend of entertainment and social commentary. The globe-balloon dance scene is a testament to Chaplin's ability to convey complex ideas through physical humor. When comparing "The Great Dictator" to Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing", you're able to draw interesting parallels in their use of cinema as a tool for social justice. While both films use humor to address issues, they do so in different contexts. "Do the Right Thing" explores racial tensions in a contemporary urban setting, whereas "The Great Dictator" tackles the timely and global issue of fascism. Both movies challenge the audience to confront uncomfortable truths about society, making them essential works in the cinematic canon. In conclusion, "The Great Dictator" remains an unparalleled masterpiece in the realm of satire. Charlie Chaplin's vision and artistry shine through and deliver a timeless message of hope and humanity. This movie is essential for anyone looking for a source of inspiration, and if you don't have the time to watch the entire thing, the speech at the end is worth a YouTube search in itself.

The film tells the story of World War I when the dictator Singer of the Kingdom came to power. His massive expansion led to constant wars and deprived the people of their livelihood. Moreover, he carried out conspiracy policies and plunged the Jewish people into dire catastrophe. Charlie, a Jewish barber who was conscripted into the army, could not escape such a high-pressure policy. When Charlie escaped from the border, he was mistaken for the dictator Zinger by the troops stationed here. He took the opportunity to make a " Fight for Freedom" speech. The ignorant and cruel dictator and the kind-hearted barber with amnesia are the same character. Now of the dictator's final speech, the roles were reversed by mistake. Not only Chaplin himself longed for true change, but people with conscience also longed for: standing on the stage, wearing a mustache, a war madman with extraordinary energy, it would be great if he was a guy with kind feelings and compassion. The film was written, directed, and acted by comedy master Charlie Chaplin. It was the first sound film created against the background of the German Nazi Party's accelerated expansion and mass murder of Jews after World War II. It was released in the United States on October 15, 1940. It satirizes the ugly acts of Hitler, the German Nazi leader, who massacred the Jews, and expresses his desire for democracy and freedom. Chaplin's performance is very good, it can be said that it is full of passion. His nervous expressions and exaggerated movements make people watch it endlessly. It is completely different from ordinary comedies that make people want to laugh and watch twice. gimmick. The film's supporting cast performs well. Propaganda Minister Gabezhi has a gloomy expression, is good at catering to the dictator, and plays tricks, which can be called the reappearance of the character prototype. Another heroine who is often mentioned is said to be the only character in Zhuo's works who has a sense of female autonomy, but she did not leave much impression on me. In 1936, movies began to have sound. Later, not only sound but also color video was developed. This is Chaplin's classic work that touches on sound films. Although Chaplin once abandoned sound and entered movies, the tide of the times is irreversible, and new technologies will inevitably bring new ways of expression. It can be said that the artistic value and political value of this film have reached the highest altitude of a comedy.

Un poco larga, pero no estuvo mal del todo

From the perspective of 2020, The Great Dictator may seem like a sure success. It was a film mocking Adolf Hitler during a period of wartime. A look at the box office returns would reveal this to be Charlie Chaplin's most commercially successful film. From this point onwards, his career would struggle. Yet when Chaplin began work on The Great Dictator, its popularity was not assured. World War 2 had not yet began, and the British government was already offering to ban the film while they pursued an ill-advised policy of appeasement with Nazi Germany. Even by the time the film was finished, most Americans favoured staying out of the war. What Chaplin realised was that the absurd behaviour of Adolf Hitler could easily be worked into one of his own comic characters. Chaplin drew on Triumph of the Will to mimic Hitler's mannerisms. To Chaplin, Hitler and Mussolini were posturing buffoons and ranting egomaniacs. Like their counterparts in the movie, they were little more than theatrical actors strutting around the world stage. Chaplin also renders Hitler's speeches into a pseudo-Germanic nonsensical language that is so guttural it makes the dictator cough. The obedience of Hitler's followers does not go unnoticed. With one gesture of his hand, Chaplin's dictator cuts off their cheers and applause. It is said that Hitler himself watched The Great Dictator twice. It is hard not to wonder what he thought of it. Charlie Chaplin had heard about the conditions of the Jewish people in Germany from friends of his, and he wished to make a stand on the issue. Amusingly enough, Chaplin himself had come in for anti-Semitic comments from the Nazis, and he was not even Jewish. At the time, it was felt that Chaplin went too far in his portrayal of Jewish ghettos under Nazism. Nowadays, we would probably feel that he could have gone a lot further. The full horror of what was happening in Germany was not yet known, and worse was to follow as the war progressed. Later Chaplin said that he would not have made the film if he had known how bad things were in Germany. Nonetheless Chaplin did not pull punches, and his portrayal of troopers storming through the Jewish ghetto is strangely disquieting for a comedy. The soldiers smash windows, burn down buildings, steal from Jewish traders and shoot a man who opposes them. Chaplin's character is nearly hanged from a lamp post. Concentration camps are mentioned. The Great Dictator was the first movie that Charlie Chaplin made entirely in sound. There are moments of the old visual and slapstick humour that we associate with Chaplin – the unexploded bomb that keeps rotating every time our hero tries to defuse it, an upside-down plane ride, and the sight of Chaplin comically out of step with his fellow soldiers, until finally he ends up walking alongside the enemy after getting lost in the fog. Perhaps the most beautiful visual moment is one where Chaplin's dictator plays with a giant globe. The scene provides a comical take on his megalomaniacal ambitions, but it is also a brief moment of balletic elegance. Then the globe bursts, just like the tyrant's dreams. Talking forms a greater part of Chaplin's humour for the first time though, and it must be noted that the comedy which seemed so innocent in the silent films looks a little broader here. This can be seen in the names of the leading Nazi characters. Chaplin plays Adenoid Hynkel, the somewhat less than great dictator of Tomainia (an old word for food-poisoning). There is some discussion about whether the Jewish Barber is another incarnation of The Tramp, Chaplin's most famous creation. He is not called so, and he does have a job for much of the film. Then again, The Tramp occasionally finds work. There is at least a kinship between the two men in their basic personalities. Both have no name, both are clumsy and accident-prone, both are gallant towards women, and both are essentially kind-hearted. The Great Dictator ends with a famous speech that divides opinions. The Jewish Barber expresses hope for a better future in terms that are rousing and idealistic, or naïve and sentimental, depending on your taste. The movie stands out as a film of great courage and defiance, packed with scenes of great hilarity, and yet leavened with a serious message that resonates today. I wrote a longer appreciation of The Great Dictator on my blog page if you would like to read more: https://themoviescreenscene.wordpress.com/2020/12/03/the-great-dictator-1940/