The Great Dictator Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Jewish barber who looks exactly like a dictator accidentally becomes dictator, then decides to stop being a dictator and give a big speech about being nice.

🍿 The Great Dictator: Detailed Plot Synopsis

World War I and Amnesia

During World War I, a Jewish barber serving in the Tomainian army comically bumbles through battle. He rescues Commander Schultz, but a plane crash leaves him with amnesia. Twenty years later, he’s released from the hospital, unaware of the drastic changes in his country.

The Rise of Adenoid Hynkel

Upon returning to his barber shop in the Jewish ghetto, the barber discovers that Adenoid Hynkel, a ruthless dictator who bears an uncanny resemblance to him, has risen to power and is persecuting Jews. He witnesses the brutal treatment of his community and the rise of anti-Semitism.

Love and Resistance

The barber meets Hannah, a strong-willed washerwoman, and they fall in love amidst the chaos. They, along with Commander Schultz, who has become disillusioned with Hynkel’s regime, begin to resist the dictator’s oppressive policies. Their acts of defiance lead to conflict with the authorities.

Invasion Plans and Escape

Hynkel plans to invade Osterlich, seeking world domination. Schultz and the barber are arrested and sent to a concentration camp. They manage to escape, and through a twist of fate, the barber is mistaken for Hynkel, while Hynkel is mistaken for the barber.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Adenoid Hynkel (Charles Chaplin): The ruthless dictator of Tomania, bent on world domination and persecuting Jewish people, who is also a parody of Adolf Hitler.
• Jewish Barber (Charles Chaplin): An amnesiac Jewish barber who returns to his ghetto and finds himself caught up in the rising anti-Semitism, eventually mistaken for Hynkel himself.
• Hannah (Paulette Goddard): A defiant and compassionate washerwoman in the Jewish ghetto who becomes the barber’s love interest and a symbol of hope.
• Schultz (Reginald Gardiner): A former military pilot and officer who initially supports Hynkel but eventually defects and helps the barber fight against the regime.
• Garbitsch (Henry Daniell): Hynkel’s manipulative and power-hungry Minister of the Interior, who encourages the dictator’s worst impulses.
• Napaloni (Jack Oakie): The bombastic and rival dictator of Bacteria, who is a parody of Benito Mussolini and complicates Hynkel’s plans for expansion.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Adenoid Hynkel: “We all come from monkeys, but it’s the superior ones who become dictators.” – Hynkel spouts this line during one of his many nonsensical speeches, satirizing the pseudo-scientific justifications for racial superiority.
• Adenoid Hynkel: “I’m sorry, but I don’t want to be an Emperor. That’s not my business.” – This is part of the barber’s speech while impersonating Hynkel at the end.
• Jewish Barber: “You, the people, have the power, the power to create machines, the power to create happiness! You, the people, have the power to make this life free and beautiful.” – Part of the Jewish barber’s climactic speech, calling for unity and democracy.
• Jewish Barber: “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!” – The barber calls out to Hannah at the end of his speech, expressing hope for a brighter future.
• Jewish Barber: “Don’t give yourselves to these unnatural men – machine men with machine minds and machine hearts! You are not machines, you are not cattle, you are men!” – The Jewish barber urges soldiers to resist oppressive dictators.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $972,212

💥 The Great Dictator Reviews

Personal Review

I was blown away by ‘The Great Dictator.’ It’s hilarious and heart-wrenching at the same time. Seeing Chaplin mock Hitler with such audacity was incredible. The final speech gave me chills; it’s so powerful and relevant even today. The scene where Hynkel dances with the globe is amazing. I think it’s a must-see for everyone. It made me think about hope, humanity, and standing up for what’s right.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Charlie Chaplin”
  • “Those interested in political satire”
  • “Viewers who appreciate classic comedy-drama films”
  • “Individuals who value messages of peace and humanity”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Anti-Semitic themes”
  • “Violence and persecution depicted”
  • “Suggestive humor”

Professional Reviews

• Slant Magazine: “Chaplin’s satirical masterpiece blends humor with a powerful anti-fascist message. The film fearlessly confronts hatred and offers a timeless plea for humanity. The performances are brilliant, and the final speech resonates deeply. It’s a must-see for its historical significance and enduring relevance.
• DMT: “The Great Dictator is a great piece of satire with brilliant performances. Chaplin shines in his dual role, while Jack Oakie delivers comedic perfection. The film offers a scathing critique of totalitarianism and delivers a message of hope. Its relevant, and an essential viewing experience.

Audience Reactions

Chaplin’s dual performance is amazing: Viewers love how Chaplin balances humor and a poignant anti-fascist message.

the anti-fascist message: Many highlight its poignant social commentary and relevant insights.

Overall Consensus: A daring and poignant satire that uses humor to deliver a powerful message of hope and humanity, though some find its sentimentality dated.

Awards

1. New York Film Critics Circle Awards (Best Actor)- 1940

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Charles Chaplin initially conceived the idea for the film in 1938, driven by his outrage at the rise of fascism and anti-Semitism in Europe.”
• “The film was Chaplin’s first true talking picture, marking a significant departure from his silent film tradition.”
• “Chaplin financed the film independently, risking his own fortune due to the controversial subject matter and the potential backlash.”
• “Adolf Hitler reportedly obtained a print of the film through Portugal and watched it twice in private, though his reaction remains unknown.”
• “The balloon globe used in the iconic dance scene was made of rubber and inflated with air, creating a surreal and dreamlike effect.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Great Dictator?

The Great Dictator is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for streaming options or consider purchasing a physical copy for your collection.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Great Dictator, you might like these similar films:

• Duck Soup (1933): A direct comparison, also satirizing dictators and the absurdity of war through slapstick and witty dialogue.
• To Be or Not to Be (1942): A dark comedy set during World War II, dealing with the Nazi occupation of Poland and using humor as a form of resistance.
• Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964): A Cold War satire that uses dark humor to critique political ideologies and the dangers of unchecked power.
• Borat (2006): A modern equivalent that uses satire and mockumentary style to expose prejudice and social issues through outrageous comedy.
• Life is Beautiful (1997): Shares thematic similarities by portraying the Holocaust through the lens of humor and heartwarming family bonds.

🛒 The Great Dictator Related Products

• The Great Dictator (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: High-definition digital restoration, featuring special features and essays for a definitive viewing experience.This is a must-have for any film lover.
• The Chaplin Collection, Vol. 1 [DVD]: Contains a selection of Chaplin’s early short films and features. A great introduction to Chaplin’s work. Great product for fans of classic comedy
• Charlie Chaplin: A Life: An intimate look at the life of Chaplin, delving into his personal struggles and artistic triumphs. This book is really an inspirational biography.
• The Great Dictator Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster.It is perfect for decorating a home theater or office.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Great Dictator features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Hungarian Dance No. 5” – performed by Johannes Brahms
• “Prelude to Act I of Lohengrin” – performed by Richard Wagner

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Greatest Speech Ever Made

This powerful mashup of Chaplin’s final speech and music will give you goosebumps. A moving tribute to a timeless message of hope and unity.

How the Invasion of France Influenced The Great Dictator’s Final Scene

Did you know that real-life events significantly impacted the ending of ‘The Great Dictator’? Dive into this short, fascinating clip to uncover the surprising connection.

The Great Dictator: The End of Silence

Join film enthusiast Kyle Kallgren as he delves into the reasons behind Chaplin’s groundbreaking decision to speak out through ‘The Great Dictator.’ This thoughtful analysis will give you a deeper appreciation for the film’s impact.

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