The Great Dictator: The Clown Turns Prophet

The story

In this visual essay, Charles Chaplin biographer Jeffrey Vance, author of "Chaplin: Genius of the Cinema", draws upon a wealth of photography as well as a wide range of interviews (Paulette Goddard, Sydney Chaplin, Chuck Jones, Leni Riefenstahl, Mel Brooks, Joan Collins et al.) to examine the production history of "The Great Dictator", the film's importance as a satire, and legacy.

Cast & crew

Jeffrey Vance

Jeffrey VanceSelf (voice)

Charlie ChaplinSelf (archive footage)

Paulette GoddardSelf (archive footage)

Jack OakieSelf (archive footage)

Joan CollinsSelf (archive footage)

Chuck JonesSelf (archive footage)

Mel BrooksSelf (archive footage)