The Great Dictator   1939   1941   next   previous

The Great Dictator Clippings 237/369

Dan Camp, Motion Picture, New York, December 1940.

Paulette Goddard on the set of „The Great Dictator,“ written

on her chair is „Miss Goddard.“

(...) Photo, Motion Picture Cover, Dec. 1940

& Oakie‘s Jack

      A year ago, Hollywoodities used to get a few beers under

their belts and sit around and wait for „poor Jack Oakie,

a swell guy who can‘t get a break.“ But they‘re not waiting any

more. Ever since word seeped out that he was great

in „The Great Dictator,“ Okie‘s been „hot.“

(...) Modern Screen, Dec. 1940

& Sad, Sad Joke

      JACK OAKIE found himself in an odd predicament recently,

one that grew odder by the minute. It seems ever since

Jack undertook to play Mussolini in Chaplin‘s picture, „The

Great Dictator,“ he‘s come in for quite a bit of kidding.

When he‘d drive up to a gas station, for instance, the attendants

would kiddingly snap into the Fascist salute, screaming

for Il Duce. It go so that friends in the barbershop, clubs and

restaurants took up the cry. Then one day Jack became

conscious of the fact that he was being followed. He did his best

to shake off the pursuers but to no avail.

      Finally one day as he was driving away from a gas station,

his shadowers drove up beside him and ordered him

to stop. Jack obeyed. „We‘re government agents,“ the men

explained. „Just what is all this Fascist business?

We‘ve had you spotted for some time.“

      Oakie talked for at least twenty minutes and finally had

to drive the G-men to Chaplin‘s studio before he could

convince them. Now, every time a hand is lifted to Oakie in mock

salute, he ducks and runs.

(...) Photoplay, Dec. 1940

& Jack Oakie has had to decline the featured comedy

role in Gene Markey‘s forthcoming production for Columbia,

„The Great Lady,“ because of his previous commitment

to Warner Bros. for the co-starring role in „Navy Blues.“ Markey

offered him the role after seeing his performance

in „The Great Dictator.“

(...) Hollywood Speaking By Ralph Wilk, Film Daily, Feb. 11, 1941

„He nearly steals the picture“

Editorial content. „Who Said Oakie is Washed Up?

      After playing the clown and cut-up and jeopardizing

      his career, Jack Oakie has fulled himself

      together. Today at 37, he‘s a new guy – thanks

      to Chaplin who hired him as Dictator Napaloni in The Great

      Dictator. By the way, he nearly steals the picture

      By Dan Camp

      For a while, back there, things looked very, very bad indeed

for this Mister Jack Oakie...!

      Yes, Sir! – if ever a guy appeared all washed up

in Hollywood, it was that one.“ (...)  

      Three photos.

Redaktioneller Inhalt

 The Great Dictator   1939   1941   next   previous