The Great Dictator

Beverly Hills, CA: United Artists, 1940. Two vintage programs from the premiere of Charlie Chaplin's classic satire, held in New York on October 15, 1940. Includes a large-format 14-page illustrated program and smaller bi-fold black-and-white program. Color program with illustrations by noted artist Al Hirschfeld.

Affixed to the title page of the color program are two ticket stubs for an October 30, 1940, showing of the film at the Astor Theatre. The premiere was held at both the Astor and the Capitol Theatres in New York to accommodate high patron turnout.

For his follow-up to his 1936 classic "Modern Times," Chaplin chose to do what only a handful of other films dared to do in 1940—make fun of Hitler. Though several of Chaplin's previous films had made use of music and sound effects, and while Chaplin had sung briefly in "Modern Times," "The Great Dictator" marked the first time he spoke dialogue onscreen.

Large-format program 9 x 10 inches, saddle-stapled. Smaller program 6.25 x 9.5 inches, bi-fold. Both programs Very Good plus to Near Fine, with some light foxing, toning, and soil to the extremities.

Criterion Collection 565.

[Book #171507]