THE GREAT DICTATOR (Released to Theaters USA 1940)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì  The Great Dictator—interesting, creative, innovative—is Charles Chaplin's first 'talkie'. It uses satire for the comedic element.   Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A  Jewish soldier of a previous war is recovering in a military hospital while a new ruler takes the soldier's country over,  becomes a dictator of that country, and starts an anti-semitic suppression of all Jews in that country.    Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Charles Chaplin for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Charlie Chaplin for making the film possible. Cast includes Charles Chaplin, Paulette Goddard, Jack Oakie, Henry Danielle, Reginald Gardiner, Billy Gilbert, and Maurice Moscovich. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is, overall, a very good film that tells a story that is undeniably original.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

BLOCK-HEADS (Released to Theaters USA 1938)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì  Block-Heads—57-minute short film—serves up a little better entertainment fare than many Laurel and Hardy comedies. This movie is funny, original, and well written.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A man continues to patrol an assigned area long after the war is over. When he returns to America, an old friend extends hospitality to him. Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director John G. Blystone for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Hal Roach and Hal Roach Jr. for making the film possible. Cast includes Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, Patricia Ellis,  Minna Gombell, Billy Gilbert, and James Finlayson.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is a good film, tells a good story, and is very well written. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

TOWED IN A HOLE (Released to Theaters USA 1932)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  Towed in a Hole—comical Oliver Hardy and Stan Laurel short film—does not lack in its ability to provide quick amusement.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline Stan and Ollie are fish sellers but when Stan tells Oliver about doing the fishing themselves, Oliver thinks that is a great idea and wants to buy a boat.   Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director George Marshall for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Hal Roach for making the film possible. Cast includes Stan Laurel, Billy Gilbert, and Oliver Hardy.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This short film is creative and provides a quick, good watch. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers