The Great Dictator (1940) - 90 Points

45. The Great Dictator (1940) - 90 Points
Chuckles 52, Laughs 31, Belly Laughs 11
Notes: Charlie Chaplin made silent films long after "talkies" were invented and popularized. This is the first film that features all characters (including himself) in speaking roles and it's a very good, very funny film. This was made and released right as WWII started and the film is lampooning both Hitler and Mussolini (interesting that Hitler adopted the "toothbrush" moustache after Chaplin had already made it famous). Although a serious subject, Chaplin paints the pain of the Jews with a comedic paintbrush as did Mel Brooks in many of his films.  Chaplin delivers a world class speech that if we all listened and adhered to, would truly make the world a much better place for all of us. It's a message of hope. There's no way that he could have known the world would see in the 5 years following the release of this film. Still, this is a comedy and a great one at that. It's also interesting to see a film that was so topical with the times. I had no idea the he played piano (was everyone at this time talented musically?). Also, since I'd never seen him speak, I'd assumed he was an American but he was British and had the British accent to prove it. 
Would I watch it again? Yes.  ​