Another important bit of context for this film is that even though it was released in 1940, Chaplin began working on putting it together in 1938, before WWII began. Filming started less than a week after the war broke out. This wasn’t a reaction to WWII, it was a warning of what was coming.
Very true. This was not a statement made in hindsight. It was a very special man, Chaplin, who was a big humanist, trying to speak against tyranny, oppression, racism, poverty, bigotry, ignorance, etc. USA was still neutral, and some Americans saw Hitler's Germany as an inspiration. There was another speech around the same time, well, two years later in May 1942, half a year after Pearl Harbor brought USA into the war. It was given by Roosevelt's vice president, Henry Agard Wallace, and is known both as _The Free World Association Dinner Address_ after the location it was given, and as _The Century Of The Common Man Speech_ . As a Dane, it reminds me of the times when USA has stood as a beacon in a darkened world, and a time when socialist and humanist ideas and ideals were still inside the Overton window of US discourse. I would hope and wish, that all Americans would be taught about this in school, but realistically, most people probably never even heard about Wallace. When you guys (some of you) elected Trump, I put a quote from it on my FB profile, where it has remained since. It was mainly about Hitler, but it could easily be transposed to modern times. The mechanism Wallace describes, for how tyrants get to power, is universal.
@lhpl Unfortunately, too many Americans think being patriotic is kicking around minorities. The word WOKE=A dog whistle. To me, it means:The ability to put yourself in the shoes of a minority. Ban the LBGQT Americans-Blacks-Musllims & all other non-Christians from any rights as citizens of this country. Where does this policy of exclusion end.? The internment camps & gas chambers are right around the corner. As a footnote-We need more EMPATHY and less APATHY in this countries pathos.
i mean, the war didnt "officially" start since Poland wasnt invaded but the annexation of austria and i think the czechoslovakian invasions had already happened when chaplin started working on it
@@girlsdrinkfeck It was so loud. It annoyed me as well. I also think the speech is better just as it originally is supposed to be. All focus on him and his intensity.
The phrase, "even now my voice is reaching millions of people" has even more significance all these years later, now the clip has been seen by many millions more people.
It's a great speech. It's legendary. The fact that it still feels like an urgently needed message 83 years later is such a damning indictment of the human race, and a depressingly transparent display of our inability to collectively wake up and change ourselves and the things we value the most. It's almost as if this speech has changed nothing whatsoever despite it being so famous. How many times do we have to be told before it sinks in? I despair. Charlie Chaplin was a great man who did great things.
@@thevaccinator666 It's systematic. Sure you could blame individual corrupt politicians, but that's almost like blaming water for flowing. Were you to change all of them, without improving the rules that govern your legislators, the system would still trend towards what we are currently getting.
@@thevaccinator666 I'm not a huge fan of diverting everything to individual responsibility instead of taking political action, but the "people who are in control" did not get there by accident. A working democracy needs truly mature (as in: Not mental children in the bodies of grown-ups) and politically literate citizens. Maybe "educating" children to become corporate drones just isn't enough?!
yeah as a species we can build great things develope new tecnology and create fantastic art but in our nature we dont change never have if we do it will take millions of years of evolution. thats the big problem so every person needs to work with there humanity and be aware of there flaws and evils to try and be the best version they can be and thats the best any of us can hope for unfortunatly.
“We have developed speed, but we have shut ourselves in. Machinery that gives abundance has left us in want. Our knowledge has made us cynical, our cleverness hard and unkind. We think too much and feel too little.” I've always loved this speech. Forgetting all else, it's a reminder that echoes even in our own time. For all our achievements over the last five thousand years, for all our learned power over life and death and the very earth itself, we must never lose sight of our most precious gift: our humanity.
Haha, I actually wrote that before I watched the rest of your video; you summed it up much neater than I did, but it's nice to know I'm not the only one that thinks that we could use more humanity in today's world.
For that first line about speed: - amongst the anecdotes when first cars were becoming available in the late 1890's, there are registers of people being called liers or suspected of fowl play for moving goods too quickly between cities. A particular case in an automotive history book i can't remember the title of was about a man who lost his business (butcher if i recall) after no one in his village would deal with him for lying about travelling to the border of Belgium and back in one afternoon because the journey was impossible in one day by horse and machines weren't moved by magic. - in 1938 the land speed record on a public road was already 432 km/h set in germany for state propaganda with mercedes and auto union competing between them. Almost a century later and this is still not the kind of normal speed for any vehicles except airplanes and high speed trains. Even IndyCar and F1 chose diferent paths to be faster over a long distance, instead of becoming even faster in a straight line, but still, to think such a speed was possible back then with cars that went racing on circuits and roads twists my mind... - for the final point: hitler's election was the first time a political candidate made 3 public speeches in far points on the same country in the same day. That kind of presence had a mystical appeal according to some documentaries that cite his use of air travel and radio transmition as generating engagement from an awe factor, for it's uniqueness for the time. Decades later in south america and we had brazil electing a candidate because his name reminded them of colored TVs and he used modern things like cell phones in the early 1990's. Same kind of traction through amazement at the image without attention to content, luckily in that case the damaged he caused was limited to economic losses and not war/genocide.
What is 'our humanity', exactly? When did it start (one million years ago, or two hundred thousand years ago, or one thousand years ago, or when the Constitution of the USA was signed, or...?) and you do realise that without machines, the world could not feed itself, I suppose?
@@johnmassey2980 then maybe do some verification instead of just saying things. Sustained speeds of 40 km/h were possible already by the end of the decade, which is more than the average two horse carriages can hold and the engine needed less rest. I'm not saying a single horse's top speed was slower in a short trip either. The point was about moving stuff.
That film is a slap stick and symbolic masterpiece. All of a sudden at the end of the film, one of the most beautiful and truthful speeches about humanity is still delivered as somewhat of a parody.
I saw this movie when I was 8 years old and we were living in Paris. It was 1974, about 30 years after the end of WW 2. I had always seen Charlie Chaplin when he was the Little Tramp. I remember being scared for him because in my 8 year old mind I knew Hitler was scary but I was too young to fully understand. It's definitely a movie to watch. When I listened to his speech you are so right when you compare his speech to the time that we live in. I just happened on your video and am so glad I was able to hear this speech. Thank you for posting this! Anne
Music might be good for this speech, but not this selection. It's "Time" by Hans Zimmer from "Inception" and it's a wonderful piece of music but it's too overpowering here.
@@dbsagacious Literally could not disagree from the core of my being with you and the OP on the music. Does it need it? No. Does it enhance it? Absolutely. But even if I can’t respect your opinion, I respect your right to it, and to hold it. It’s an amazing speech. To each their own.
It wasn't because it attacks all political ideologies - Ultra Capitalism, Fascism, Religious fundamentalism and Communism. Different names but all the same result, the enslavement of everyone ruled by dictators.
Yes it is incredible. It is the anti-dystopian viewpoint which relishes the points of unification instead of separation. Jiddu Krishnamurti (in the 20's into the 80's) talked about the biggest reason we are in such a mess is that we humans think we are separate in every way, religiously, nationally, socially, politically, etc. This separation breeds fear, and all the ensuing angst -- war, social upheaval, etc. This speech has a lot of that theme within it. Of course, real change, the ending of war and murder would mean the world would never be the same -- in a good way.
The Speech USA needs to hear repeatedly, the passion and desperation and inspiration. This is all we need to hear and feel and we could finally unite for common good
USA? Lol more like North Korea, China Russia, Iran. Did you even listen to the speech? Everything in this speech echoes George Orwells 1984, related to North Korea, a lot about slavery and dictatorship, which USA doesn't have.
The band "The Chariot" has a song called "Cheek" in which they used the entirety of this speech... It was my first introduction to this speech. I never knew where those words originated, but you've answered that for me... Thanx! I truly enjoy your reactions! You give me hope for the future... I'm a 58 year old man dealing with depression, and few things give me hope or happiness for "our" future... But you do. Thanx for being who you are, and sharing your beautiful thoughts with us. I appreciate you! Thanx 4 sharing and I'll keep watching!!! ✌️😎👍
The Kid - 1921 That's my favourite Chaplin movie. It was the first movie that made me cry, and nobody even talks in it. Second favourite is Modern Times, third favourite is The Great Dictator.
This speech is as relevant today as it was when it came out 84 years ago. The passion that Chaplain projects not only made this speech important and impactful and provides a lot of context as to how the attitude was during that time.
I'm going with this as one of the greatest speeches. I've been to war and seen it. So great speeches from generals do motivate me. But it's ones like these that motivate me more.
Charlie Chaplin wrote an autobiography which is a great read - both well-written and a lot of interesting anecdotes. My favourite Chaplin movie is "Monsieur Verdoux" - it is a very unexpected movie if you're only familiar with his comedies; in the film (which he also wrote and directed), Chaplin plays a serial killer and it is surprisingly deep in its treatment of morality.
Hans Zimmer's music both adds and subtracts from this speech. Much like how our technology can both add and subtract to our humanity. I think "The Machine Stops" (1909) is probably the first dystopian science fiction story I know of.
I can't help but tear up at this incredible speech. Not words for "our side" but for all sides. All humans ALL. See through the lies of governments and media and armies that want to keep the status quo or to rise at the expense of others. All of humanity should be able to sleep safely at night and not fear their neighbours.
The film is "The Great Dictator" and the pencil moustache was more Hitler following him. It was the working man moustache, thus adorned by Chaplin in his silent movies. It is a really powerful speech, the soundtrack is a recent addition, but the words do transcend time. I tweeted a version of this video in 2014, it was the only time a tweet I posted went viral (have mostly lost interest in twitter in recent years). Thankyou for your compelling videos.
This is the first time I have thoroughly enjoyed watching a reaction video. I love that scene, and I appreciate your honest acknowledgement that you had a rudimentary concept of the video. For me, that was definitely your best commentary. P.S. I think you should review scenes from classic films and discuss the tone, context, and performance more often. I suggest the "Coulda been a contender" scene from On The Waterfront, and the "I took care of it pop" scene from Godfather I. I would be interested to hear your POV 👍🏻
He is one of the great pioneers of comedy- He was also ‘canceled’ along with many other greats in the 1950’s version of cancel culture. The red scare went after anyone who didn’t say or do the ‘right things’. Chaplain spoke his mind and had to leave the US from the cancel mob. Sad how we ignore history and just keep repeating it-
Chaplin was the single most famous person on PLANET EARTH when this came out. He was a genius.... a guy who wrote, directed, produced, acted... and he wrote his own music. His greatest films: CITY LIGHTS, MODERN TIMES, THE GOLD RUSH, and THE GREAT DICTATOR... Those four films are all simply EPIC. Thank you for your thoughtful, empathetic comments. They are very much appreciated... and you have a new subscriber. A few films I'd greatly recommend: "STRANGER THAN FICTION," (probably one of the most under the radar films... nobody talks about it, but it's really smart and sharp), "CHILDREN OF MEN" (a dystopian masterpiece), "PLEASANTVILLE," (Starts out screwball comedy ends up social commentary... told in a brilliantly clever way), "THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE" (the original film... thrilling mind-bender from the height of the Cold War)... "ARRIVAL" (Brilliant sci fi story told in a completely unique way)... Cheers!
You have a great point of view - it's good to hear opinions from younger minds. Only the youth can make changes, as the older we get, the more we are put down and exhausted by the evils of mankind. We are waiting for the inspired and good-hearted voices to rise up! Voices that think of others and not just for themselves.
Chaplins brilliant satire, way ahead of its time. The way he mimics Hitler's oral spiel is amazing. This is Chaplin's finest moment and it should be shown to everyone, everywhere, always.
Another great speech to watch is from the movie 'Network', titled Mad As Hell. There's also another great speech in that titled The World Is A Corporation. They be great to react to together. And fun trivia: that movie has entirely no background music in it.
I agree, it does relate to a lot of the issues going on in our modern world. I was feeling really empowered by the speech because I kept on reflecting on the families out there who are being robbed by their own government, the high expense of food and basic necessities that families need and can't afford. This system is broken, and a rest set is needed. We are in the fourth turning, it's time to make our voices heard, the power belongs to the people!!
I did a paper on this speech in uni. It's still extremely relevant today and maybe even more so. There are few speeches in art or reality that compare. For me personally I've always loved the speech by Bill Pullman in Independence Day. On the non-fictional side there's this speech called If I were the Devil that aged very well, similar to the speech in The Great Dictator. I can't remember who it was but I believe he was a radio pastor from the 50's through to 80's. He also did The Story of The Star Spangled Banner as You've Never Heard. Your opinion on that though may vary upon your personal beliefs, not necessarily religion. On the same note as aging well The Sound of Silence, particularly by Disturbed, has aged very well and is still as relevant as ever.
If I were the devil was done by Paul Harvey, he was a national syndicated radio broadcaster that did the news and short inspirational stories. He came on at noon on the AM stations and ran for a half hour.
Welcome back. That's quite the inspiring speech, relevant today as it was when he said those words. Altruism however is always in competition with the self interested influence and corruption.
What is interesting to me is that Chaplin does not give up on us. He points out our failings and uses this speech to encorage us to do better. Unlike many cynical people I have known, he has faith in us as a race and believes that we can solve our problems and conflicts and come together. Its motivation and a plea to stop our madness of war and fear and destructive behavior and to use our resources to attain something higher. We need to listen and try our best. He lays it all out here.
I remember a few years ago, there was some kind of poll for the best speech ever, and this one from that movie during the current World War II, won as the most emotional speech in human history recorded on audio. Movie : The Great Dictator (1940)
This was his 80s movie, but the first time he spoke. Even after sound, he preferred not to. It helped his films were popular everywhere. ( subtitles in various languages) .. This was his response to Hitler.
@srottfaen no I meant he had made over 80 movies already by then . He made around 90 plus movies, I believe, but he only spoke in the last .4 of them . . I think he directed 89 of his movies. ( I was giving myself a margin of error) I'm not positive of his exact number.
Charlie Chaplin avoided doing Talkies for the longest time. He claimed that his character The Tramp would end if he talked. He made this movie in response to the Hitlers rise to power, most of the world still didn't take him seriously. When asked about his change in desicion regarding Talkies, he said he was still right. This was the end of The Tramp, but he if he was going to end it would be saying something worth saying.
One of Charlie's best films and one that he filmed almost completely twice to satisfy his need for perfection. According to Wikipedia, City Lights is a 1931 American silent romantic comedy-drama film written, produced, directed by, and starring Charlie Chaplin. The story follows the misadventures of Chaplin's Tramp as he falls in love with a blind girl (Virginia Cherrill) and develops a turbulent friendship with an alcoholic millionaire (Harry Myers). In my 70 years I have not seen a film more entertaining, filled with more laughter and tears, a film with a more romantic ending than City Lights. This film is so far over our heads, including mine, that I learn something new every time I watch it. It is no short, it is a full length film, and one of the greatest I will see in my lifetime. I invite you watch this film to understand a man who was clearly an American patriot, but who was expelled by the very enemies of us all that he worked tirelessly to expose. Sir Charles Chaplin, thank you and may you rest in peace.
You should watch City lights, it has the greatest love scene in movie history. It still hits you right in the heart after whatching it many times, and being silent making it all the more fantastic
There is a book you might like. It's written by James Burke (who has done a lot of wonderful things) and called "The Axe Maker's Gift". The book discusses the spiral we stepped on when the first tool split the first log. Love your channel!!
Hi Greg! I don’t know of this book yet but the author sounds so familiar to me. I’m just now finishing the audiobook of Shutter Island so I’ll be needing a new book, perfect timing (: thank you
Whats most disappointing is, that this speech is every bit as valid as it was 80 years ago, on the brink of WW2. and instead of learning from it, we are now on the brink of WW3.
I'd be skeptical of anyone suggesting WW3 is around the corner. Mutually assured destruction keeps most of the big weapon manufacturing countries from engaging each other. Civil wars, and invasions of weaker countries sure, but war isn't so good for business when it's in your own back yard.
There will always be evil men that is why it's the duty of goodman to stand up And stomp out the evil But good and evil are like the tide it ebs and flows Even though each wave May bring destruction it also brings hope
Paul Harvey “A Warning From 1965: If I Were The Devil” is an extremely interesting speech. I’m personally not a religious person, but it still has a lot of relevance to modern issues. I highly suggest you give it a listen.
If you have an hour to listen to a radio show, there is a really interesting program called "On a Note of Triumph" by Norman Corwin which aired shortly after VE Day in May of 1945. While it is mostly celebratory, it captures a very real sense of anxiety of the ongoing war in the Pacific and, once victory is obtained, what it will take to maintain the post-war peace. It is a great piece for capturing a contemporary mindset in 1945. You can find it online for free. While I was watching this, I wondered what folks in 1940 would have thought when they saw it. And would they think things are better off now than they were in 1940 or vice versa. Thanks for another great video!
This is one of the greatest Speeches of all time. Notice his face after he says "Unite". After his thunderous applause, He feels like he's become another demigog in spite of his urge for peace. It's extremely sad. You don't need a leader to Tell you what is right and what is wrong. You need to look inside Yourself with love and ask "how do I make the world a better place for not just myself, but everyone else around me". Politicians should study this speech very carefully.
No what is disappointing and heart breaking is that we are in a worse place now than when this was filmed. With all the knowledge and understanding and opportunities we have now the world is a worse place. As a non American this for me is the true reflection on what Americanism is. The good, the true, the fair. All of which are American dreams.....all of which are American dreams....... All of which WERE American dreams.
The top 5 undebatably greatest Chaplin films are: 1. City Lights (1931) 2. Modern Times (1936) 3. The Great Dictator (1941) - this one 4. The Kid (1921) - his debut feature film 5. The Gold Rush (1925) And I have watched all five. Great films indeed. City Lights is constantly voted as one of the best movies of all time.
Even more sadly, it was this message that began his downfall in the public eye. This message that people turned against as our nation became, in the following decades more militaristic, more capitalistic(by a generational project to do away with much of The New Deal and replace it with what became "Supplyside" economics or more recently The Prosperity Gospel) and, as you've noted, more machine driven. Sad doesn't grasp the scope of the tragedy here. But, just imagine a beautiful, artful, human world where people don't simply laugh at the very notion of us CARING for one another and one another's needs. Our world is one where people scorn that idea openly and call it weakness. Your basic calm and decency is a beacon. Thanks for reacting to this. As a VERY struggling artist, this speech choked me up this morning.
the context was meant to be kind of a joke. It was sort of, that Charlie Chaplin doesn't talk much in his films, but when he does, he gives the greatest speech ever made.
In the great dictator charlie was a swap for actual hitler. If only a ringer for hitler would have spoken that way in reality, we could have saved so many lives. It is and will always be relatable to us. It will because this will always be our evolution, tech over humanity, greed over home and love. Books to recommend: "Animal Farm" , "The Things Our Fathers Saw" and "The Women With Silver Wings"...
The City Lights, The Gold Rush, A Dog's Life, The Kid, The Floorwalker, One AM, The RInk, and Monsieur Verdoux are all among my favorites. The City Lights is one of my top five films of all time.
As powerful as this speech is I think it's even more powerful within the context of having watched the entire movie and without the Hans Zimmer overdub.
Another important bit of context for this film is that even though it was released in 1940, Chaplin began working on putting it together in 1938, before WWII began. Filming started less than a week after the war broke out. This wasn’t a reaction to WWII, it was a warning of what was coming.
its happening again ! the supreme wealth telling us what to think live work and do, the wokism cult
Chaplin an Aries is a future thinker- prognosticator.
Similar to another, Aries Marlin Brandos take on racism during his Johhny Carson interview.
Very true. This was not a statement made in hindsight. It was a very special man, Chaplin, who was a big humanist, trying to speak against tyranny, oppression, racism, poverty, bigotry, ignorance, etc. USA was still neutral, and some Americans saw Hitler's Germany as an inspiration.
There was another speech around the same time, well, two years later in May 1942, half a year after Pearl Harbor brought USA into the war. It was given by Roosevelt's vice president, Henry Agard Wallace, and is known both as _The Free World Association Dinner Address_ after the location it was given, and as _The Century Of The Common Man Speech_ . As a Dane, it reminds me of the times when USA has stood as a beacon in a darkened world, and a time when socialist and humanist ideas and ideals were still inside the Overton window of US discourse. I would hope and wish, that all Americans would be taught about this in school, but realistically, most people probably never even heard about Wallace. When you guys (some of you) elected Trump, I put a quote from it on my FB profile, where it has remained since. It was mainly about Hitler, but it could easily be transposed to modern times. The mechanism Wallace describes, for how tyrants get to power, is universal.
@lhpl Unfortunately, too many Americans think being patriotic is kicking around minorities.
The word WOKE=A dog whistle. To me, it means:The ability to put yourself in the shoes of a minority.
Ban the LBGQT Americans-Blacks-Musllims & all other non-Christians from any rights as citizens of this country.
Where does this policy of exclusion end.?
The internment camps & gas chambers are right around the corner.
As a footnote-We need more EMPATHY and less APATHY in this countries pathos.
i mean, the war didnt "officially" start since Poland wasnt invaded but the annexation of austria and i think the czechoslovakian invasions had already happened when chaplin started working on it
To imagine, this was his first true 'talkie' film, and he made sure it made an everlasting impact.
I didn’t know it was the first film in which he spoke, thanks for that fun fact!
"Charlie doesn't talk.....oh damn!"
-Everyone
@@NoProtocol yeah prior to that his films were all a reaction/speaking followed by "talking frames"(for lack of better terminology)
shame the music ruined it ,over used and unbalanced
@@girlsdrinkfeck It was so loud. It annoyed me as well. I also think the speech is better just as it originally is supposed to be. All focus on him and his intensity.
The phrase, "even now my voice is reaching millions of people" has even more significance all these years later, now the clip has been seen by many millions more people.
Can you belive that this was 83 years ago and this speach is now more then ever so current. Such powerful words
It's a great speech. It's legendary. The fact that it still feels like an urgently needed message 83 years later is such a damning indictment of the human race, and a depressingly transparent display of our inability to collectively wake up and change ourselves and the things we value the most. It's almost as if this speech has changed nothing whatsoever despite it being so famous. How many times do we have to be told before it sinks in? I despair. Charlie Chaplin was a great man who did great things.
Perhaps it's just the people who are in control who need to wake up. I don't know.
@@thevaccinator666 It's systematic. Sure you could blame individual corrupt politicians, but that's almost like blaming water for flowing. Were you to change all of them, without improving the rules that govern your legislators, the system would still trend towards what we are currently getting.
@@thevaccinator666 I'm not a huge fan of diverting everything to individual responsibility instead of taking political action, but the "people who are in control" did not get there by accident. A working democracy needs truly mature (as in: Not mental children in the bodies of grown-ups) and politically literate citizens. Maybe "educating" children to become corporate drones just isn't enough?!
Totally agreed, u do not despair alone
yeah as a species we can build great things develope new tecnology and create fantastic art but in our nature we dont change never have if we do it will take millions of years of evolution. thats the big problem so every person needs to work with there humanity and be aware of there flaws and evils to try and be the best version they can be and thats the best any of us can hope for unfortunatly.
“We have developed speed, but we have shut ourselves in. Machinery that gives abundance has left us in want. Our knowledge has made us cynical, our cleverness hard and unkind. We think too much and feel too little.” I've always loved this speech. Forgetting all else, it's a reminder that echoes even in our own time. For all our achievements over the last five thousand years, for all our learned power over life and death and the very earth itself, we must never lose sight of our most precious gift: our humanity.
Haha, I actually wrote that before I watched the rest of your video; you summed it up much neater than I did, but it's nice to know I'm not the only one that thinks that we could use more humanity in today's world.
For that first line about speed:
- amongst the anecdotes when first cars were becoming available in the late 1890's, there are registers of people being called liers or suspected of fowl play for moving goods too quickly between cities. A particular case in an automotive history book i can't remember the title of was about a man who lost his business (butcher if i recall) after no one in his village would deal with him for lying about travelling to the border of Belgium and back in one afternoon because the journey was impossible in one day by horse and machines weren't moved by magic.
- in 1938 the land speed record on a public road was already 432 km/h set in germany for state propaganda with mercedes and auto union competing between them. Almost a century later and this is still not the kind of normal speed for any vehicles except airplanes and high speed trains. Even IndyCar and F1 chose diferent paths to be faster over a long distance, instead of becoming even faster in a straight line, but still, to think such a speed was possible back then with cars that went racing on circuits and roads twists my mind...
- for the final point: hitler's election was the first time a political candidate made 3 public speeches in far points on the same country in the same day. That kind of presence had a mystical appeal according to some documentaries that cite his use of air travel and radio transmition as generating engagement from an awe factor, for it's uniqueness for the time. Decades later in south america and we had brazil electing a candidate because his name reminded them of colored TVs and he used modern things like cell phones in the early 1990's. Same kind of traction through amazement at the image without attention to content, luckily in that case the damaged he caused was limited to economic losses and not war/genocide.
What is 'our humanity', exactly? When did it start (one million years ago, or two hundred thousand years ago, or one thousand years ago, or when the Constitution of the USA was signed, or...?) and you do realise that without machines, the world could not feed itself, I suppose?
@@RadeticDaniel I also don't believe your first ridiculous anecdote, because the top speed of the first cars was slower than brisk walking pace.
@@johnmassey2980 then maybe do some verification instead of just saying things.
Sustained speeds of 40 km/h were possible already by the end of the decade, which is more than the average two horse carriages can hold and the engine needed less rest.
I'm not saying a single horse's top speed was slower in a short trip either. The point was about moving stuff.
Ironically, the Man that was so well know for being Silent. Had so much wisdom to speak. Powerful stuff
I have watched more reaction videos than I can count, and I have never seen someone react to Charlie Chaplin. Hats off to you.
Forget Iron Man Robert Downey's portrayal of Chaplin was so spot on from the accent to mannerisms easily his best performance in any movie
Did Robert Downey Jr perform this speech in that movie?
That film is a slap stick and symbolic masterpiece. All of a sudden at the end of the film, one of the most beautiful and truthful speeches about humanity is still delivered as somewhat of a parody.
He changed the ended when he was seeing what was happening in the world at the time.
I saw this movie when I was 8 years old and we were living in Paris. It was 1974, about 30 years after the end of WW 2. I had always seen Charlie Chaplin when he was the Little Tramp. I remember being scared for him because in my 8 year old mind I knew Hitler was scary but I was too young to fully understand. It's definitely a movie to watch. When I listened to his speech you are so right when you compare his speech to the time that we live in. I just happened on your video and am so glad I was able to hear this speech. Thank you for posting this! Anne
I feel its better without the music. But this speech never fails to be poignant
The music was God-awful. I feel it ruined it. It's actually quite moving, but the overly loud track someone put in just kills the emotion of it
At least if the music was balanced better.
Music might be good for this speech, but not this selection. It's "Time" by Hans Zimmer from "Inception" and it's a wonderful piece of music but it's too overpowering here.
@@dbsagacious Literally could not disagree from the core of my being with you and the OP on the music. Does it need it? No. Does it enhance it? Absolutely. But even if I can’t respect your opinion, I respect your right to it, and to hold it. It’s an amazing speech. To each their own.
I'm fine with the music, other than the volume. The speech was so good, you shouldn't need to struggle so much to hear it.
Dude was spitting facts, especially in these times.
It brings me to tears each time I hear it. All people need to hear this now, it's as relevant now as it was back then. Maybe more so.
I share the exact same feeling friend. Moved to tears every time. This speech rings true now more than ever before. Here in 2024. Amazing
It really is a fantastic speech and it's a shame The Great Dictator wasn't better received in it's time.
It wasn't because it attacks all political ideologies - Ultra Capitalism, Fascism, Religious fundamentalism and Communism. Different names but all the same result, the enslavement of everyone ruled by dictators.
This should be played in every class at some point.
I show this clip every year in my History classes
I consider this the greatest speech ever written…not just from the movies but the greatest speech in history ❤
At face value, yes. But in many ways it is no different than the caricature it portrays.
@@ner0p What does that even mean?
Yes it is incredible. It is the anti-dystopian viewpoint which relishes the points of unification instead of separation. Jiddu Krishnamurti (in the 20's into the 80's) talked about the biggest reason we are in such a mess is that we humans think we are separate in every way, religiously, nationally, socially, politically, etc. This separation breeds fear, and all the ensuing angst -- war, social upheaval, etc. This speech has a lot of that theme within it. Of course, real change, the ending of war and murder would mean the world would never be the same -- in a good way.
Great point!
Agreed
Iʼm so happy that you decided to react to what I like to call *the* speech!
The Speech USA needs to hear repeatedly, the passion and desperation and inspiration.
This is all we need to hear and feel and we could finally unite for common good
@William O Meara , or was it his well documented paedophilia? 🤔
USA? Lol more like North Korea, China Russia, Iran.
Did you even listen to the speech? Everything in this speech echoes George Orwells 1984, related to North Korea, a lot about slavery and dictatorship, which USA doesn't have.
@@EdwardOfEastAnglia US has slavery.. Low wage for high work. US has dictatorships of elitism.
So glad that you are exposing people to this speech.
So glad so many people brought it to my attention (:
The speech has a greater impact in the film because the character doesn't speak until the end (i think...its been a while since I've seen it)
The band "The Chariot" has a song called "Cheek" in which they used the entirety of this speech... It was my first introduction to this speech. I never knew where those words originated, but you've answered that for me... Thanx! I truly enjoy your reactions! You give me hope for the future... I'm a 58 year old man dealing with depression, and few things give me hope or happiness for "our" future... But you do. Thanx for being who you are, and sharing your beautiful thoughts with us. I appreciate you!
Thanx 4 sharing and I'll keep watching!!! ✌️😎👍
It's w very good speech and the people he is talking about are still here they haven't left yet.
As a german, most definitely "The Great Dictator".
I'm glad you chose to view the version of this with Hans Zimmer's "Time" in the background, which I think this is the best version of this to watch.
The Kid - 1921
That's my favourite Chaplin movie.
It was the first movie that made me cry, and nobody even talks in it.
Second favourite is Modern Times, third favourite is The Great Dictator.
The Kid is my favorite too!
This speech is as relevant today as it was when it came out 84 years ago. The passion that Chaplain projects not only made this speech important and impactful and provides a lot of context as to how the attitude was during that time.
I'm going with this as one of the greatest speeches. I've been to war and seen it. So great speeches from generals do motivate me. But it's ones like these that motivate me more.
The best speech I've ever heard and it still rings true today.
Charlie Chaplin wrote an autobiography which is a great read - both well-written and a lot of interesting anecdotes.
My favourite Chaplin movie is "Monsieur Verdoux" - it is a very unexpected movie if you're only familiar with his comedies; in the film (which he also wrote and directed), Chaplin plays a serial killer and it is surprisingly deep in its treatment of morality.
Not sure if it's my favorite, but Monsieur Verdoux is a great one.
I consider Chaplin himself suggested Monsieur Verdoux to me, from his autobiography. It is also one of my faves.
Hans Zimmer's music both adds and subtracts from this speech. Much like how our technology can both add and subtract to our humanity. I think "The Machine Stops" (1909) is probably the first dystopian science fiction story I know of.
IMO "City Lights" is Chaplin's best film. It has the most touching ending of any movie. Having seen the film, I tear up just watching the final scene.
I can't help but tear up at this incredible speech. Not words for "our side" but for all sides. All humans ALL. See through the lies of governments and media and armies that want to keep the status quo or to rise at the expense of others. All of humanity should be able to sleep safely at night and not fear their neighbours.
As a romanian, he s one of my favorite characters.. And Mr bean, souls who can make you laughing, without a word, they are the true diamonds
The film is "The Great Dictator" and the pencil moustache was more Hitler following him. It was the working man moustache, thus adorned by Chaplin in his silent movies. It is a really powerful speech, the soundtrack is a recent addition, but the words do transcend time. I tweeted a version of this video in 2014, it was the only time a tweet I posted went viral (have mostly lost interest in twitter in recent years). Thankyou for your compelling videos.
Actually, the name of the moustache is "toothbrush". A pencil moustache was i.e. worn by Errol Flynn, Clark Gable and Vincent Price.
Hitler copied Chaplin specifically because he was trying to soften his image and Charlie was well known and loved worldwide.
This is the first time I have thoroughly enjoyed watching a reaction video.
I love that scene, and I appreciate your honest acknowledgement that you had a rudimentary concept of the video.
For me, that was definitely your best commentary.
P.S.
I think you should review scenes from classic films and discuss the tone, context, and performance more often. I suggest the "Coulda been a contender" scene from On The Waterfront, and the "I took care of it pop" scene from Godfather I. I would be interested to hear your POV 👍🏻
the film itself is still really good and it builds up for the speech to be emotional and impactful
This is THE greatest speech ever given! It has a truly relevant message...
He is one of the great pioneers of comedy-
He was also ‘canceled’ along with many other greats in the 1950’s version of cancel culture. The red scare went after anyone who didn’t say or do the ‘right things’. Chaplain spoke his mind and had to leave the US from the cancel mob.
Sad how we ignore history and just keep repeating it-
Chaplin was the single most famous person on PLANET EARTH when this came out.
He was a genius.... a guy who wrote, directed, produced, acted... and he wrote his own music.
His greatest films: CITY LIGHTS, MODERN TIMES, THE GOLD RUSH, and THE GREAT DICTATOR... Those four films are all simply EPIC.
Thank you for your thoughtful, empathetic comments. They are very much appreciated... and you have a new subscriber.
A few films I'd greatly recommend: "STRANGER THAN FICTION," (probably one of the most under the radar films... nobody talks about it, but it's really smart and sharp), "CHILDREN OF MEN" (a dystopian masterpiece), "PLEASANTVILLE," (Starts out screwball comedy ends up social commentary... told in a brilliantly clever way), "THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE" (the original film... thrilling mind-bender from the height of the Cold War)... "ARRIVAL" (Brilliant sci fi story told in a completely unique way)... Cheers!
I'm happy that you got to this one , I saw this movie in 1987 as a teenager and it made me question everything
You have a great point of view - it's good to hear opinions from younger minds. Only the youth can make changes, as the older we get, the more we are put down and exhausted by the evils of mankind. We are waiting for the inspired and good-hearted voices to rise up! Voices that think of others and not just for themselves.
Chaplins brilliant satire, way ahead of its time.
The way he mimics Hitler's oral spiel is amazing.
This is Chaplin's finest moment and it should be shown to everyone, everywhere, always.
Charlie could make you laugh, but also make you think. He made a lot of interesting movies, with ideas about poverty, machinery, child care.
Another great speech to watch is from the movie 'Network', titled Mad As Hell.
There's also another great speech in that titled The World Is A Corporation.
They be great to react to together.
And fun trivia: that movie has entirely no background music in it.
I agree, it does relate to a lot of the issues going on in our modern world. I was feeling really empowered by the speech because I kept on reflecting on the families out there who are being robbed by their own government, the high expense of food and basic necessities that families need and can't afford. This system is broken, and a rest set is needed. We are in the fourth turning, it's time to make our voices heard, the power belongs to the people!!
"City Lights" is my favorite Chaplin film, and maybe my favorite film period. "The Great Dictator" is essential viewing.
Wow! I wish everyone in the world could hear this. I had no idea. How profound. Thank you. I love your channel. :)
My favorite Chaplin film is 'City Lights'. It concludes with what has been voted the most romantic scene in the history of film.
Watch the movie, the way it works towards this speech is stunning.. and it's a hoot.
I’m sure someone else has said it but thomas jack’s song with the speech is so moving. A must listen
The fact that the cheering scene is the Nuremburg rally is crazy. It hits hard!
Incredibly based speech.
I get goosebumps every single time i hear it
I did a paper on this speech in uni. It's still extremely relevant today and maybe even more so. There are few speeches in art or reality that compare. For me personally I've always loved the speech by Bill Pullman in Independence Day. On the non-fictional side there's this speech called If I were the Devil that aged very well, similar to the speech in The Great Dictator. I can't remember who it was but I believe he was a radio pastor from the 50's through to 80's. He also did The Story of The Star Spangled Banner as You've Never Heard. Your opinion on that though may vary upon your personal beliefs, not necessarily religion. On the same note as aging well The Sound of Silence, particularly by Disturbed, has aged very well and is still as relevant as ever.
If I were the devil was done by Paul Harvey, he was a national syndicated radio broadcaster that did the news and short inspirational stories.
He came on at noon on the AM stations and ran for a half hour.
@@toddmcclellan979 That's right. Thank you.
Welcome back. That's quite the inspiring speech, relevant today as it was when he said those words.
Altruism however is always in competition with the self interested influence and corruption.
BORN IN MY ROAD which was East Street Market,Walworth,South East London,England...
When I first heard this the tears n anger I felt was over whelming. Truth is beautiful!!
What is interesting to me is that Chaplin does not give up on us.
He points out our failings and uses this speech to encorage us to do better.
Unlike many cynical people I have known, he has faith in us as a race and believes that we can solve our problems and conflicts and come together.
Its motivation and a plea to stop our madness of war and fear and destructive behavior and to use our resources to attain something higher.
We need to listen and try our best. He lays it all out here.
I remember a few years ago, there was some kind of poll for the best speech ever, and this one from that movie during the current World War II, won as the most emotional speech in human history recorded on audio. Movie : The Great Dictator (1940)
This was his 80s movie, but the first time he spoke. Even after sound, he preferred not to. It helped his films were popular everywhere. ( subtitles in various languages) ..
This was his response to Hitler.
What do you mean 80s movie? This came out in 1940.
@srottfaen no I meant he had made over 80 movies already by then . He made around 90 plus movies, I believe, but he only spoke in the last .4 of them . .
I think he directed 89 of his movies. ( I was giving myself a margin of error) I'm not positive of his exact number.
@@shanenolan5625 Ah I see. That makes total sense :)
Like how Mr. Bean seems to have international appeal.
@@ravenward626 exactly 💯
Time is a fantastic piano piece to have in the background, such a simple yet emotional piece
Charlie Chaplin avoided doing Talkies for the longest time. He claimed that his character The Tramp would end if he talked. He made this movie in response to the Hitlers rise to power, most of the world still didn't take him seriously. When asked about his change in desicion regarding Talkies, he said he was still right. This was the end of The Tramp, but he if he was going to end it would be saying something worth saying.
I cry everytime from this speech
Missed you. Had to look for other channels for my fix in your brief pause but none stacked up. Glad you're back.🙂
“You dont hate , only thee unloved hate. The unloved and unnatural. “
What a powerful line.🤔
Thank you for showing this speach. It is my favorite Charlie Chaplin moment in film history.
Thanks for watching Andreas (:
The whole film is pretty great, totaly worth a watch
One of Charlie's best films and one that he filmed almost completely twice to satisfy his need for perfection. According to Wikipedia, City Lights is a 1931 American silent romantic comedy-drama film written, produced, directed by, and starring Charlie Chaplin. The story follows the misadventures of Chaplin's Tramp as he falls in love with a blind girl (Virginia Cherrill) and develops a turbulent friendship with an alcoholic millionaire (Harry Myers). In my 70 years I have not seen a film more entertaining, filled with more laughter and tears, a film with a more romantic ending than City Lights. This film is so far over our heads, including mine, that I learn something new every time I watch it. It is no short, it is a full length film, and one of the greatest I will see in my lifetime. I invite you watch this film to understand a man who was clearly an American patriot, but who was expelled by the very enemies of us all that he worked tirelessly to expose. Sir Charles Chaplin, thank you and may you rest in peace.
You should watch City lights, it has the greatest love scene in movie history. It still hits you right in the heart after whatching it many times, and being silent making it all the more fantastic
You're awesome! Thank you for truly trying something different. And thank you for leaving out that self-indulging intro. Stay you!
There is a book you might like. It's written by James Burke (who has done a lot of wonderful things) and called "The Axe Maker's Gift". The book discusses the spiral we stepped on when the first tool split the first log. Love your channel!!
Hi Greg! I don’t know of this book yet but the author sounds so familiar to me. I’m just now finishing the audiobook of Shutter Island so I’ll be needing a new book, perfect timing (: thank you
James Burke off UK TV science series.
@@NoProtocol BORN IN MY ROADpride-fan-rainbow-open which was East Street Market,Walworth,South East London,England...
Whats most disappointing is, that this speech is every bit as valid as it was 80 years ago, on the brink of WW2. and instead of learning from it, we are now on the brink of WW3.
I'd be skeptical of anyone suggesting WW3 is around the corner. Mutually assured destruction keeps most of the big weapon manufacturing countries from engaging each other. Civil wars, and invasions of weaker countries sure, but war isn't so good for business when it's in your own back yard.
There will always be evil men that is why it's the duty of goodman to stand up And stomp out the evil But good and evil are like the tide it ebs and flows Even though each wave May bring destruction it also brings hope
What a fantastic speech! It felt so genuine and conscious.
Of Course. He was born in the same London street as I was...lol
One of the most impactful speeches ever
When he was silent we all laughed when he spoke we became speechless
Paul Harvey “A Warning From 1965: If I Were The Devil” is an extremely interesting speech. I’m personally not a religious person, but it still has a lot of relevance to modern issues. I highly suggest you give it a listen.
That speech will never not be relevant. Thanks for posting, and your reaction. 😊
This lives on in Paolo Nutini's song 'Iron sky' which is a piece of art in itself.
The speech from 'Newsroom' by Jeff Daniel's character." Why isn't America the best country in the world anymore?" is also pretty good.
Speeches can be powerful when they ring true.
If you have an hour to listen to a radio show, there is a really interesting program called "On a Note of Triumph" by Norman Corwin which aired shortly after VE Day in May of 1945. While it is mostly celebratory, it captures a very real sense of anxiety of the ongoing war in the Pacific and, once victory is obtained, what it will take to maintain the post-war peace. It is a great piece for capturing a contemporary mindset in 1945. You can find it online for free.
While I was watching this, I wondered what folks in 1940 would have thought when they saw it. And would they think things are better off now than they were in 1940 or vice versa. Thanks for another great video!
Thanks Mark, it’s not often I get a radio show recommendation! I’m going to look for it (:
This is one of the greatest Speeches of all time.
Notice his face after he says "Unite".
After his thunderous applause,
He feels like he's become another demigog in spite of his urge for peace.
It's extremely sad.
You don't need a leader to Tell you what is right and what is wrong.
You need to look inside Yourself with love and ask "how do I make the world a better place for not just myself, but everyone else around me".
Politicians should study this speech very carefully.
Wow! Thank you for sharing this. I had not seen this before, either.
No what is disappointing and heart breaking is that we are in a worse place now than when this was filmed. With all the knowledge and understanding and opportunities we have now the world is a worse place.
As a non American this for me is the true reflection on what Americanism is. The good, the true, the fair.
All of which are American dreams.....all of which are American dreams.......
All of which WERE American dreams.
My favourite Chaplin film is City Lights. His bittersweet goodbye to silent films.
The best speech ever written and so needed in todays society 😢
"The Kid" is my personal favorite Chaplin film
The top 5 undebatably greatest Chaplin films are:
1. City Lights (1931)
2. Modern Times (1936)
3. The Great Dictator (1941) - this one
4. The Kid (1921) - his debut feature film
5. The Gold Rush (1925)
And I have watched all five. Great films indeed. City Lights is constantly voted as one of the best movies of all time.
Even more sadly, it was this message that began his downfall in the public eye. This message that people turned against as our nation became, in the following decades more militaristic, more capitalistic(by a generational project to do away with much of The New Deal and replace it with what became "Supplyside" economics or more recently The Prosperity Gospel) and, as you've noted, more machine driven. Sad doesn't grasp the scope of the tragedy here. But, just imagine a beautiful, artful, human world where people don't simply laugh at the very notion of us CARING for one another and one another's needs. Our world is one where people scorn that idea openly and call it weakness.
Your basic calm and decency is a beacon. Thanks for reacting to this. As a VERY struggling artist, this speech choked me up this morning.
The Kid is my favourite Chaplin film. Watched it with my dad when I was a boy.
Try "Those who walk away from Omelas." About what happen if we rely on suffering of the few to gain the wealth of the many .
the context was meant to be kind of a joke. It was sort of, that Charlie Chaplin doesn't talk much in his films, but when he does, he gives the greatest speech ever made.
“City lights” is there masterpiece in my opinion.
"Only the unloved hate" always gets me
Great film, "The Great Dictator".
I never saw it in the English original, but the German dubbing.
The speach is very impressive.
"the kid" is my favorite Chaplin film.
In the great dictator charlie was a swap for actual hitler. If only a ringer for hitler would have spoken that way in reality, we could have saved so many lives. It is and will always be relatable to us. It will because this will always be our evolution, tech over humanity, greed over home and love. Books to recommend: "Animal Farm" , "The Things Our Fathers Saw" and "The Women With Silver Wings"...
thanks for getting to this ! i agree that Alexander was not really the same category oof speech
The City Lights, The Gold Rush, A Dog's Life, The Kid, The Floorwalker, One AM, The RInk, and Monsieur Verdoux are all among my favorites. The City Lights is one of my top five films of all time.
As powerful as this speech is I think it's even more powerful within the context of having watched the entire movie and without the Hans Zimmer overdub.
Agreed
Upload more videos pls!You're great and this is such a quality content 😊
If you're soul did not cry, you're not human🥲