Review of The Great Dictator (1940) by Adrian B — 10 Mar 2012
Pretty appalling but sadly effective comedy from Charles Chaplin in his first sound feature (at least thirteen years after talkies began). Chaplin decides to mock Adolph Hitler during the early stages of World War II, by dressing up, putting on a small moustache, and insulting his accent.
He also plays, what looks like, a British soldier and Jewish barber, who is picked on by an incompetent German soldier (although saying that this barber is much more intelligent than his bullies would be step too far).
Very crude (not in terms of language but actions) and silly, and also fairly funny. Chaplin's attempts at German are embarrassingly bad, which adds to the hilarity of this movie (reminds me of Laurence Olivier's Henry V from 1944 where several sequences involving French heiresses attempting to speak the language).
Quite amusing, even if pretty offensive. It seemed to have been really well received upon. New York Times critic Bosley Crowther loved the film.
This review of The Great Dictator (1940) was written by Adrian B on 10 Mar 2012.
The Great Dictator has generally received very positive reviews.
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