The Great Dictator (1940)

Genre: Comedy/Drama/Spoof/History

Starring: Charles Chaplin, Jack Oakie, Reginald Gardiner, Henry Daniell, Billy Gilbert, Paulette Goddard, Maurice Moskovitch

Charlie Chaplin was known to be the greatest comedian that walked the face of the Earth and who revolutionised cinema's and gave the people of the silent era something to laugh at. Spoofing one of the most notorious dictators of all time, Hynkel (Chaplin) (read 'Adolf Hitler') the Dictator of Tomania (read 'Germany') has come into power and wishes to rid the country of the filthy Jews that tarnish society. A simple Jewish Barber (Chaplin) has returned from hospital when he underwent a memory loss while fighting for his country during the First World War. When he returns to his shop, he is shocked to find how the Ghetto has transformed and the Storm Troopers brutally beat him until Commander Schultz (Gardiner), a man whose life he previously saved, comes to his rescue. The movie humorously showcases Hynkel and his war plans along with the struggles of the Jews to escape from the clutches of the Storm Troopers. The movie shows raw comedy, much different from the movies of today. It might seem bland and unappealing to many, but one needs to be a true appreciator of cinema to enjoy one of Chaplin's finest.

Thumbs up: Sir Chaplin at his very best

Thumbs down: May not be funny enough for the modern audience

Rating:7.7/10