Come to the City of Asylum for a showing of The Great Dictator, a 1940 American political satire comedy-drama film written, directed, produced, scored by and starring Charlie Chaplin. Having been the only Hollywood film-maker to continue to make silent films well into the period of sound films, this was Chaplin’s first true sound film.
Chaplin’s film advanced a stirring, controversial condemnation of Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, fascism, antisemitism, and the Nazis. At the time of its first release, the United States was still formally at peace with Nazi Germany. Chaplin plays both leading roles: a ruthless fascist dictator, and a persecuted Jewish barber
The film was banned in Nazi Germany, but also wound up being banned in Argentina in 1976 for mocking dictators under the Videla regime.
As part of the Silenced Films Series, The Great Dictator will be shown on Thursday, July 7, from 8:00 until 10:00 pm at the City of Asylum Alphabet City Tent. For more information, or to reserve your free seat, visit Silenced Films: The Great Dictator event page, email info@cityofasylumpittsburgh.org, or call 412-323-0278. This event is BYOB.
