Review of The Great Dictator (1940) by Ryan K — 14 Apr 2012
The Great Dictator is a great satire and has some memorable moments but the finale does ruin all the great stuff before it.
I know why Chaplin ended the movie with a 20-minute philanthropic rant about all the world's problems but his own problem was the rant just wasn't funny. I don't know why nobody told him at the time to edit it.
Up until his closing monologue this was a Chaplin gem. His "gymnastics" with the balloon globe of the world were wonderful as was his dizzy dance up and down the pavement when fighting the nazi policemen.
This is definitely worth watching for the first hour and an half, but the climax is quite tedious. Shame really, as this was a classic but for that last 20 or so minutes.
Hitler had actually seen this movie and was not amused. Small wonder, for Charlie really sends him up magnificently.
The DVD has a great documentary about the Hitler/Chaplin relationship and the making of the movie against the political backdrop.
The cynics might call this a propaganda piece but it is a brilliant satirical comedy for the most part with some classic Chaplin routines.
This review of The Great Dictator (1940) was written by Ryan K on 14 Apr 2012.
The Great Dictator has generally received very positive reviews.
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