The Great Dictator

US (1940): Comedy

Charles Chaplin has a dual role in this film, his first with full dialogue: a sweet-natured Jewish barber and a murderous Hitler-type dictator. The film had huge satirical impact and made Chaplin a detested enemy of the Reich. Particularly delectable comic scenes are Hynkel's balletic "pas de deux" with a globe, and a cream-cake fight between Hynkel and Napoloni, the dictator of Bacteria (Jack Oakie). Supporting cast includes Reginald Gardiner, Henry Daniell, Billy Gilbert, Paulette Goddard and Chester Conklin. Chaplin's dialogue for the film is primarily in English, with some Esperanto thrown in for good measure! (amctv.com)

 Use this link to view the original theatrical trailer for The Great Dictator on TCM.com.

5 nominations