Charlie vs. Goliath

Chaplin's Political Films

Lecture

Age 12 to 14

As a director and actor Charles Chaplin developed a character which was funny and politically relevant at the same time: Small Charlie, "the Tramp", fights against policemen and rough guys, machines and dictators. This was one of the core motives of the character from Chaplin's early comedies to the politically motivated masterpieces of Modern Times and The Great Dictator. Chaplin's films show us how cinema can be both funny and critical of the circumstances we live in and offers us a utopian vision where the weak fight and win against the powerful.

Presented by Natascha Unkart and Nikolaus Zeiner