Nakedly political but still relevant today:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3Eg8F3rap4[/youtube]

It’s from Charlie Chaplin’s 1940 film The Great Dictator, a bitter attack on fascism and Nazi Germany.

The segment is brilliantly directed. Chaplin begins by looking at the floor, gathering his thoughts. As the character gets into the swing of his speech his eyes raise subtly until he looks directly at the audience. Even though this eye contact is occasionally broken — as Chaplin is supposed to be addressing a gathering of soldiers — it is generally maintained to the finish. Strong stuff said with honest passion.

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