---
title: "The Great Dictator"
year: 1940
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-great-dictator-1940"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 914
imdb_id: "tt0032553"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 125
community_rating: 8.3
vote_count: 3742
content_rating: "NR"
---

# The Great Dictator (1940) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-great-dictator-1940

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The Great Dictator is a film released in 1940. The movie centers around the life of two main characters. One is a dictator who tries to expand his empire. This character is a prominent figure in a fictional regime. The other is a poor Jewish man who works as a barber. The barber's life is affected by the regime's policies. The barber tries to avoid persecution from the regime, which is led by the dictator. The film explores the relationship between these two characters and their respective roles in the story. The movie is a commentary on the politics and societal issues of its time. The film's plot and themes are significant to its overall message. The Great Dictator is a notable film in the history of cinema, known for its commentary on politics and society.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A Jewish barber avoids persecution while a ruthless dictator tries expanding his empire."

### Why Watch
- features a dual role performance
- combines comedy and war themes

### Caveats & Content Note
- deals with heavy historical persecution themes
- Tone & Suitability: The film contains themes of war and persecution appropriate for its historical comedy genre.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: comedy, war, satire, historical

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | fuboTV, HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Criterion Channel, IndieFlix, HBO Max, IndieFlix Shorts Amazon Channel | Kanopy, Fawesome | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Amazon Prime Video, Now TV, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Plex | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Criterion Channel | Crave, Tele Quebec | Apple TV Store |
| **Australia (AU)** | None | SBS On Demand, Plex | None |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Charlie Chaplin
- **Networks / Studios**: Charles Chaplin Productions

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Charlie Chaplin** as *Adenoid Hynkel, Dictator of Tomania / A Jewish Barber*
- **Paulette Goddard** as *Hannah*
- **Jack Oakie** as *Benzino Napaloni, Dictator of Bacteria*
- **Reginald Gardiner** as *Commander Schultz*
- **Henry Daniell** as *Garbitsch*
- **Billy Gilbert** as *Field Marshal Herring*
- **Grace Hayle** as *Madame Napaloni*
- **Carter DeHaven** as *Spook*
- **Maurice Moscovitch** as *Mr. Jaeckel*
- **Emma Dunn** as *Mrs. Jaeckel*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the release date of the film?
The film was released on 10/23/1940 in the US.

### Q: What genres is the film associated with?
The film is associated with comedy and war genres.

### Q: What is the runtime of the film?
The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes.

### Q: Who is the dictator in the film?
The dictator in the film is Adenoid Hynkel.

### Q: Who is trying to avoid persecution?
A poor Jewish barber tries to avoid persecution from Hynkel's regime.

---
*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*