S8 Ep818: Political Awakenings and the Universal Silent Hero During a 1931 world tour, Chaplin was appalled by the hopelessness of the global depression, which inspired the social commentary in Modern Times. This period marked the beginning of his troubles with the

Political Awakenings and the Universal Silent Hero During a 1931 world tour, Chaplin was appalled by the hopelessness of the global depression, which inspired the social commentary in Modern Times. This period marked the beginning of his troubles with the FBI, who surveilled him despite his conservative financial habits and immense wealth. Chaplin famously resisted the transition to sound to protect the Tramp's universality, fearing an English accent would limit the character's global appeal. He finally spoke on screen in The Great Dictator, playing both a Jewish barber and a parody of Hitler, whose mustache Chaplin believed may have been an imitation of his own famous screen persona. Guest: Scott Eyman. (3/8) 1900 LA