Is The March of Time: An American Dictator Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1936)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

The March of Time: An American Dictator, a standout production of 1936, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Documentary landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into On July 10, 1936, the Time Corporation released the seventh episode of the second year of its newsreel series The March of Time, which included a controversial sequence titled “An American Dictator. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "On July 10, 1936, the Time Corporation released the seventh episode of the second year of its newsreel series The March of Time, which included a controversial sequence titled “An American Dictator.” This segment, purportedly a journalistic exposé, centered on the rise to power and political career of then Dominican head of state Rafael Leónidas Trujillo Molina. The content of the short piece accused Trujillo of committing many politically motivated crimes, including murder, and caused a brief diplomatic crisis between the United States and the Dominican Republic. - Naida García-Crespo"

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Westbrook Van Voorhis provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Louis De Rochemont is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 6 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is The March of Time: An American Dictator truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, The March of Time: An American Dictator explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1936 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Louis De Rochemont respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, The March of Time: An American Dictator is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Westbrook Van Voorhis or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The March of Time: An American Dictator is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.