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Charles Chaplin, Paulette Goddard, Jack Oakie, Reginald Gardiner, Henry Daniell ... see more see more... , Billy Gilbert , Grace Hayle , Maurice Moscovich , Emma Dunn , Bernard Gorcey , Paul Weigel , Henry Bergman , Chester Conklin , Robert O. Davis , Eddie Dunn , Eddie Gribbon , Hank Mann , William Arnold , Carter De Haven , Esther Michelson , Nita Pike , Florence Wright , Peter George Lynn

"This is the story of the period between two world wars--an interim during which insanity cut loose, liberty took a nose dive, and humanity was kicked around somewhat." With this pithy opening title, ... read more read more...Charles Chaplin begins his first all-talking feature film, The Great Dictator. During World War I, a Jewish barber (Chaplin) in the army of Tomania saves the life of high-ranking officer Schultz (Reginald Gardiner). While Schultz survives the conflict unscathed, the barber is stricken with amnesia and bundled off to a hospital. Twenty years pass: Tomania has been taken over by dictator Adenoid Hynkel (Chaplin again) and his stooges Garbitsch (Henry Daniell) and Herring (Billy Gilbert). Hynkel despises all Jews and regularly wreaks havoc on the Tomanian Jewish ghetto, where feisty Hannah (Paulette Goddard) lives. Meanwhile, the little barber escapes from the hospital and instinctively heads back to his cobweb-laden ghetto barber shop. Unaware of Hynkel's policy towards Jews (in fact, he's unaware of Hynkel), the barber gets into a slapstick confrontation with a gang of Aryan storm troopers. He is rescued by his old friend Schultz, now one of Hynkel's most loyal officers. Thanks to Schultz's protection, the ghetto receives a brief respite from Hynkel's persecution. The barber sets up shop again, developing a warm platonic relationship with the lovely Hannah. But things take a sorry turn when Hynkel, angered that a Jewish banker has refused to finance his impending war with Austerlitz, begins bearing down again on the Ghetto. Near the end of the film, when the dictator is expected to make another one of his hate-filled, war-mongering speeches, the barber steps up to the microphones...and Charles Chaplin drops character and becomes "himself," delivering an impassioned plea for peace, tolerance, and humanity. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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93% liked it

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95% liked it

37 critics

G, 2 hr. 6 min.

Directed by: Charles Chaplin

Release Date: January 1, 1940

Keywords: talking

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DVD Release Date: May 10, 2010

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Flixster Reviews (2,041)

  • fb619846742
    May 23, 2012
    fb619846742
    A disappointingly too silly take on an extremely serious subject (Hitler and the destruction of many Jews), concerning a crazed dictator (Charlie Chaplin), who is unaware that there is a Jewish barber (also Chaplin) who looks identical to him, and how the two unavoidably switch p... read morelaces at some point. While the subject of war has been dealt with in a funny, smart manner before (Kubrick's 'Dr. Strangelove' remains the cream of the crop in that category), this film seems to be about 80 percent slapstick with 20 percent seriousness. It is not a fair balance for a subject like this, although granted the slapstick is largely very, very funny. When it comes time for Chaplin's big speech, there has been too much funny business going on beforehand that it in turn undermines the film's most important point. A better balance of humor and compassion, as well as a heavier dose of anger at these events going on at these times would have made this a defining, legendary film. Instead, to me, it is an occasional funny but overall frustrating one that never lives up to its reputation as a great one.
  • cancercapricorn2002
    April 17, 2011
    cancercapricorn2002
    "The Great Dictator" is one of Charlie Chaplin's most dynamic and most entertaining films. His first speaking film, it allows him to add a level of verbal comedy and wit to his always-funny pantomime and physical comedy.

    Playing a dual role both as megalomaniacal dictator Aden... read moreoid Hynkel (based on Adolf Hitler) and a lowly Jewish barber from the ghetto, Chaplin, flexes his repertory performing talents to convince the viewer it could be different actors playing these roles. The barber character allows Chaplin to breathe new life into his well-known tramp character, complete with signature hat and cane. The Brahms shaving scene is so dynamic that even without a word of dialogue it stands the test of time to entertain viewers decades after its release.

    Much of the film's intrigue comes from its symbolism. Beginning with the "double cross" symbol, playing on the Nazi swastika as well as the public being double-crossed, the movie goes on to explore the notion of how, as Caesar once said, "Absolute power corrupts absolutely". As Hynkel even notices when he says "you make me afraid of myself!" the world is not unlike the balloon prop Chaplin uses to entertain viewers; it may be fun to play with, but if you squeeze it too hard it will explode.

    As an added bonus, the movie explores the notion of what can happen when two men with great power but even greater egos go against each other for control of the world. Arguing over military deployment and treaty negotiation, Hynkel and Italian dictator Benzini Napaloni (based on Benito Mussolini) quarrel at a complimentary buffet, but eventually settle their differences and remain friends. This, one could say, is a strong allegory to the uselessness of war and clueless nature of those with the power to start wars.

    In delivering speeches in the character of Hynkel, Chaplin expresses the fire and intensity of an evil dictator while remaining absolutely ridiculous and entertaining. In preparing for his role, Chaplin spent a lot of time studying a lot of tapes of Hitler's speeches, mastering his posture, body language and voice inflection. Thus, the fire and malice of his messages are communicated, although if you listen closely you can hear Chaplin use such words as "schnitzel", "lederhosen", and other terms most Americans with little or no German training can understand. In addition, Chaplin "Germanizes" English phrases to make them sound more comical, such as "tighten-de-belten." But, never breaking character allows Chaplin to sell his portrayal. As true as it is today, it was the same in 1940, and even back in 1440: It's not what you say, it's how you say it.

    Chaplin also excels in the directorial aspect of this movie. He uses many different aspects and strategies to portray the world that surrounds his storyline. Without utilizing very much in the way of camera movement, Chaplin uses other ways such as music - both diegetic and non-diegetic - as well as creative cuts and pantomime to change the movie from being words on a page of script into a living, breathing work of art. In the scene involving the coins within the puddings, each table member finds a coin, which would mean they would have to sacrifice themselves to police. Each person passes theirs to Chaplin, who subsequently tries to swallow each coin in order to hide it. As he eats the pudding and bites down to find a coin, a crescendo of music tells the viewer what has happened.

    Another method pursued by Chaplin in making this movie is what is known as the "Kuleshov Effect". This occurs when a show is coordinated alongside a different shot or sound effects, and the viewer perceives a link between the two. When Hynkel and Napaloni are viewing the armies, the camera remains focused on the two dignitaries, adding in background noise. The viewer is told that the two are looking at fast planes, and the sound of a plane engine is accompanied by the two men turning their heads quickly, seemingly watching the planes fly across the sky. As the larger artillery is viewed, the viewer hears heavy clanking metal and the two heads of state turn their gaze much more slowly. This is the Kuleshov Effect at its best, because even though the two actors are staring at a film crew and the inside of a movie studio, the viewer is convinced the two are actually conducting a military review.

    In Hynkel's final speech, actually delivered in the character of the Jewish barber, Chaplin uses camera-work to combine unlike shots as well. As he calls out to Hannah, his love, he looks to the sky. Simultaneously, she wakes up miles away, and looks to the sky as well. Although the two are miles away and there is no way that she can actually hear him calling to her, the viewer can't help but think that she can hear his voice carrying on the wind. This is Chaplin's directing at its best.

    A must see classic
  • axadntpron
    March 16, 2011
    axadntpron
    Prophetic and brilliantly played by Mr. Chaplin
  • blacksheepboy
    November 3, 2010
    blacksheepboy
    Chaplin's first talking picture is a hilarious film that makes a truly poignant statement against dictatorial regimes. A wonderful film that has countless memorable moments, from the dictator's speech in incomprehensible German to the classical, unforgettable final scene.
  • stevenecarrier
    October 1, 2010
    stevenecarrier
    I really dislike "The Great Dictator". While Charlie Chaplin certainly has his moments in much better films, like the terrific "The Kid" (my favorite far and away), this is unfunny, lame and just plain boring. I'm still going to be a Buster Keaton fan at heart.
  • ajv2688
    September 27, 2010
    ajv2688
    This movie is funny now, but it makes me wonder how it was received in 1940 when the war was on. Although the movie is mostly enjoyable, there are some boring scenes too. Of course if you're a Chaplin fan you should see this movie.
  • ScoopOnline
    December 9, 2009
    ScoopOnline
    No one can ever replace this little guy. Charlie Chaplin. Undisputed Master of the Comedy
  • SirPant
    November 12, 2009
    SirPant
    One of the greatest films ever made. Charles Chaplin got it so right with this film, it's a timeless classic and an important film historically. I can't recommend it enough, it just has to be seen. Make it a priority film fans!
  • flixsterman
    July 22, 2009
    flixsterman
    The more I see of Chaplin the more I am astounded by the depth of his talent. For those who only associate Charlie Chaplin with silent films, The Great Dictator is a must-see. His genius for physical comedy is nearly equaled by his adeptness of dialog. Hilariously funny an... read mored timeless.
  • imrealgod
    February 1, 2009
    imrealgod
    Much, much below my expectations.

View All The Great Dictator Reviews

Critic Reviews

William Goss
June 1, 2011
William Goss, Film.com

The first full-blown talkie from the biggest star of the silent era, complete with a message that Chaplin couldn't have sent more loudly or clearly. Full Review

September 3, 2010
TIME Magazine

Through no fault of Chaplin's, during the two years he was at work on the picture dictators became too sinister for comedy. Full Review

Dave Kehr
September 3, 2010
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

Chaplin is at his most profound in suggesting that there is much of the Tramp in the Dictator, and much of the Dictator in the Tramp. Full Review

Michael Atkinson
December 23, 2009
Michael Atkinson, Village Voice

Like all major Chaplin works, Dictator was a cheaply, but methodically, made film, a cardboard act of humanist defiance, and, thanks to its purity of purpose, the cheesier the jokes get, the harder th... Full Review

Variety Staff
October 9, 2008
Variety Staff, Variety

It's when he is playing the dictator that the comedian's voice raises the value of the comedy content of the picture to great heights. Full Review

Roger Ebert
October 23, 2004
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

It is a funny film, which we expect from Chaplin, and a brave one. Full Review

Glenn Abel
July 26, 2003
Glenn Abel, Hollywood Reporter

The film remains controversial to this day.

Bosley Crowther
May 20, 2003
Bosley Crowther, New York Times

Now that the waiting is over and the shivers of suspense at an end, let the trumpets be sounded and the banners flung against the sky. Full Review

Philip Martin
May 20, 2012
Philip Martin, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

...a great movie because it works as a film, and because it is a document of courage and faith, the prime exhibit in Chaplin's humanist brief ... Dictator is a comedy, the work of a clown, but it is n... Full Review

James Kendrick
May 30, 2011
James Kendrick, Q Network Film Desk

While it is not the greatest of Charlie Chaplin's feature films, it is certainly his bravest, if not one of the bravest films ever made. Full Review

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    • Adenoid Hynkel Dictator of Tomania: Look up! Look up! The clouds are lifting - the sun is breaking through. We are coming out of the darkness into the light. We are coming into a new world. A kind new world where men will rise above their hate and brutality.The soul of man has been given wings - and at last he is beginning to fly. He is flying into the rainbow - into the light of hope - into the future, that glorious future that belongs to you, to me and to all of us. Look up. Look up
    • Jewish Barber: Greed has poisoned men's souls, has barricaded the world with hate, has goose-stepped us into misery and bloodshed. We have developed speed, but we have shut ourselves in. Machinery that gives abundance has left us in want. Our knowledge has made us cynical; our cleverness, hard and unkind. We think too much and feel too little. More than machinery, we need humanity. More than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness. Without these qualities, life will be violent and all will be lost.
    • Jewish Barber: Hannah, can you hear me? Wherever you are, look up Hannah! The clouds are lifting! The sun is breaking through! We are coming out of the darkness into the light! We are coming into a new world; a kindlier world, where men will rise above their hate, their greed, and brutality. Look up, Hannah! The soul of man has been given wings and at last he is beginning to fly. He is flying into the rainbow! Into the light of hope, into the future! The glorious future, that belongs to you, to me and to all of us. Look up, Hannah. Look up!
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The Great Dictator Trivia

  • Adolf Hitler banned this Charlie Chaplin film in Germany and all countries occupied by the nazis. However, Hitler did view the movie twice. Upon hearing this, Chaplin said, "I'd give anything to know what he thought of it." Which movie was it?  Answer »
  • What silent-era filmmaker's first talking movie was entitled "The Great Dictator"? (1940)  Answer »
  • In which movie did Charlie Chaplin mock Adolf Hitler?  Answer »
  • What was the first dialogue film for Charlie Chaplin?  Answer »
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