Charlie Chaplin portrayed at Chautauqua History Comes Alive

When Charles Chaplin began filming The Great Dictator in 1939, there was hesitant Hollywood enthusiasm for the project. How big a risk might it be to launch a brazen satire of Naziism and Hitler while the United States was staying out of the war in Europe? Audiences were curious though. The Great Dictator would be Chaplin’s first film in which they’d hear him speak dialogue. And then Chaplin’s voice grew louder. By 1942, Chaplin was publicly advocating for the United States to support Russia in a second front against Germany. J. Edgar Hoover was paying attention and the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) had questions. Gossip columnists turned their focus toward Chaplin and real-life drama intensified. The once beloved “Little Fellow” was now in an arena in which his reputation was assailed and his allegiances questioned. What would he say in response?

Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Come early to get a seat. Doors open at 1 pm.