The Great Dictator marked one of Charlie Chaplin's boldest and most unpopular political stances. In the midst of World War II he created a film that criticized fascism and warmongering. At the end of the film he pleaded with the audience in a monologue to avoid conflict and be wary of fascism. In 1940 at the point of the release there was still sympathy for the fascist powers and a tactic acceptance of conflict as the best solution regardless if someone allied with the Axis or the Allies. Chaplin's reputation suffered greatly because of the film even if it was widely financially successful in the United States. He put his own financial security and future popularity on the line to speak truth to power.
In the Pudding Scene. Chaplin and several other men are each given a cake by their resistance leader. One of the cakes has a coin in it and the person who gets it will be the one to have to murder Hitler. However each person discovers they have a coin, and pass it off to Chaplin who swallows them whole. Even though he doesn't say a word in the scene the energy centers around him. His overly emphasized facial reactions draw attention to each coin he finds on his plate. His bushy eyebrows convey his fear of being chose for this dreaded task. Frankly there couldn't be someone better suited to silent film than Chaplin.
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