THE GREAT DICTATOR (1940)

Directed by: Charles Chaplin
Written by: Charles Chaplin
Studio: United Artists
Starring: Charles Chaplin, Jack Oakie, Paulette Goddard
Rated: G

About the film:
A poor Jewish barber bears a remarkable resemblance to the cruel dictator Adenoid Hynkel in this satire of Nazi Germany. When his resemblance to the dictator affords him the opportunity to address the world, he uses it to speak of the goodness to which man can aspire.

Movie Quote:
“In the seventeenth chapter of St. Luke, it is written that the kingdom of God is within man; not one man nor a group of men, but in all men! In you!”
A Jewish barber (Charles Chaplin) in The Great Dictator (1940)

Bible Quote:
“The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, ‘here it is,’ or ‘there it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.”
Luke 17: 20b-21 (NIV)

Commentary:
It is rather rare when a film quotes scripture so directly and in such a positive way. But when dealing with such evil, perhaps it isn’t surprising at all. The barber’s comments during his speech are inspiring and hopeful… mainly because he draws from scripture to make his points. His points are not always accurate, but his heart is pure and his intentions are noble.

For instance, in his speech he says that the kingdom of God is in all men. That’s not entirely true. What is a kingdom but a place where a king reigns? Therefore the kingdom of God cannot be within all men… only those to whom God has given His spirit and who have subsequently chosen to follow His ways. Thankfully, He gives it to all who believe.

We who choose to submit ourselves with all humility to our Creator and heavenly Father and willingly exalt His will above our own, it can truthfully be said that the kingdom of God is within us.

As we continue to let His peace rule in our hearts and let Him direct our steps as we journey along the path He has laid out before us, we are the living embodiment of His kingdom because we manifest a small token of the fullness which is to come.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. What does the barber’s innocence have to do with the opportunities that he is given? How has the way he conducted his life helped him during the trying times ahead?
2. The barber’s final speech is an amazing plea for humanity and goodness. What within his speech reminds you of God’s exhortation to us?

Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com