Douglas described his "linguistic scheme" - he Roman characters would speak with English accents, while the slaves (in revolt against the existing world order) would use American accents." And he admires her sinful, scarlet dress: "Are you all dressed up for a hog killing?" But when he realizes she wantshimto escort her to the Olympus Ball in a red dress to arouse Pres"" jealousy (a symbol of her sexual recklessness), he declines, claiming that Southern manners wouldn""t allow it:Buck: You had a set-to with Pres?Julie: Oh, I""d rather not discuss it.Set in the 1930s during the Great Depression era, the film""s main concerns (and those of the oppressed Tramp) echo those of millions of people at the time - unemployment, poverty, and hunger.After being summoned, Poelzig malevolently opens the door and looms in the background in a dramatic entrance.