Detailed Summary
Introduction and Setting
The Great Dictator is a satirical comedy-drama film written, directed by, and starring Charlie Chaplin. It was Chaplin’s first true sound film and is a courageous political satire against Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, and the Nazi regime. The film is set in the fictional countries of Tomainia and Bacteria.
The Dual Roles
Charlie Chaplin plays dual roles: a Jewish barber and Adenoid Hynkel, the ruthless dictator of Tomainia. The barber is a kind-hearted World War I veteran who suffers from amnesia and is unaware of the political turmoil and persecution of Jews. Hynkel is a caricature of Adolf Hitler, obsessed with power and conquest.
The Barber’s Story
The film opens with the barber saving a soldier named Schultz during World War I, but he loses his memory. Years later, the barber returns to his shop in the Jewish ghetto, which is now under Hynkel’s oppressive rule. He falls in love with Hannah (Paulette Goddard), a fellow ghetto inhabitant who resists the brutality of Hynkel’s stormtroopers.
Hynkel’s Tyranny
Hynkel, meanwhile, is shown in his grandiose palace, where he delivers absurdly bombastic speeches and dreams of world domination. He allies with the dictator of Bacteria, Benzino Napaloni (Jack Oakie), a parody of Mussolini. Their interactions are marked by comedic power struggles and displays of egotism.
Schultz’s Return and the Barber’s Arrest
Schultz, now a high-ranking officer, recognizes the barber and protects him from the stormtroopers. However, Schultz eventually falls out of favor with Hynkel and is sent to a concentration camp along with the barber.
The Switch and the Final Speech
In a case of mistaken identity, the barber is released from the camp and taken to a military rally, believed to be Hynkel. He takes the opportunity to deliver a heartfelt speech, denouncing dictatorship and advocating for democracy, freedom, and human rights.
⇢ VIRAL RIGHT NOW
Movie Ending
The film ends with the barber’s impassioned speech, urging humanity to unite and fight against oppression. This monologue is one of the most famous in film history, offering a powerful plea for peace and compassion.
Post-Credits Scene
There are no post-credits scenes in The Great Dictator.
Type of Movie
The Great Dictator is a satirical comedy-drama that blends elements of political satire, slapstick comedy, and heartfelt drama.
Cast
- Charlie Chaplin as Adenoid Hynkel / The Jewish Barber
- Paulette Goddard as Hannah
- Jack Oakie as Benzino Napaloni
- Reginald Gardiner as Schultz
- Henry Daniell as Garbitsch
- Billy Gilbert as Herring
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score includes classical music selections and original compositions by Meredith Willson. Notably, the film features Richard Wagner’s “Prelude to Act I” from Lohengrin.
Filming Locations
The film was shot primarily in Hollywood, California, with sets designed to reflect the satirical and exaggerated nature of the story.
⇢ KEEP UP WITH THE TREND
Awards and Nominations
The Great Dictator received numerous prestigious awards, including:
- Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor (Charlie Chaplin), Best Writing (Original Screenplay), Best Supporting Actor (Jack Oakie), and Best Original Score.
- National Board of Review: Named one of the Top Ten Films of the Year.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Charlie Chaplin was motivated to make the film as a response to the rise of fascism and the atrocities of Nazi Germany.
- The film was controversial at the time of its release, as it was one of the first major Hollywood films to openly criticize Hitler and the Nazi regime.
- Chaplin later stated that had he known the full extent of the horrors of the Holocaust, he might not have made a comedy about it.
Inspirations and References
The film draws inspiration from the real-life figures of Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini, using satire to highlight the absurdity and cruelty of their regimes. It also references Chaplin’s own experiences and beliefs about freedom and humanity.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The final cut of The Great Dictator is closely aligned with Chaplin’s vision. Some deleted scenes and alternate takes are available in special editions and retrospectives, providing additional context to the film’s production.
Book Adaptations and Differences
While there are no direct novelizations, the film has been analyzed in various books and essays exploring its themes, impact on cinema, and historical context.
⇢ MOST SHARED RIGHT NOW
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Hynkel’s speech: A parody of Hitler’s oratory style.
- The barber’s interaction with the stormtroopers in the ghetto.
- The comedic power struggle between Hynkel and Napaloni.
- The barber’s mistaken identity and final speech.
Iconic Quotes
- “I’m sorry, but I don’t want to be an emperor. That’s not my business. I don’t want to rule or conquer anyone. I should like to help everyone if possible – Jew, Gentile, black man, white.” – The Barber
- “We think too much and feel too little. More than machinery, we need humanity.” – The Barber
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The character names like Garbitsch (Joseph Goebbels) and Herring (Hermann Göring) are direct parodies of Nazi officials.
- Chaplin’s portrayal of Hynkel includes physical and vocal mannerisms that mimic Hitler’s speeches and behavior.
Trivia
- The film’s budget was around $2 million, and it grossed over $5 million worldwide.
- Charlie Chaplin and Paulette Goddard were married during the production of the film.
- The Great Dictator marked Chaplin’s first full sound film, transitioning from his silent film roots.
Why Watch?
The Great Dictator is a significant film in both cinematic and historical contexts. Its blend of humor, political satire, and heartfelt drama offers a powerful critique of tyranny and a timeless message of hope and humanity.
Director’s Other Movies
Charlie Chaplin also directed:
- City Lights (1931)
- Modern Times (1936)
- The Gold Rush (1925)
- The Kid (1921)
- Limelight (1952)