Chaplin (1992)
John Thaw: Fred Karno
Quotes
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Fred Karno : [on the train; remembering Charlie's early days in the theatre] You took a tail suit out of the wardrobe, tryin' to be a gent. Trying to impress that young dancer... Hetty, wasn't that 'er name?
Charlie Chaplin : Hetty Kelly.
Fred Karno : Yeah, I could see in your eyes you fancied her.
[chuckles to himself]
Fred Karno : Hmm. Sad.
Charlie Chaplin : Yes, I know all about it, Fred. She got married. Sent me a lovely note. I brought it with me; it's in my baggage.
Fred Karno : [looking worried] Oh, Charlie, Charlie. Charlie, don't you know? Has nobody told you? She's gone. The flu epidemic after the war carried her away.
[Charlie reels, unable to speak]
Fred Karno : I thought someone must have told you, must have written. Didn't nobody?
[Charlie leaves the compartment and goes into the corridor, leaning against the wall and trying to collect himself]
Stan Laurel : [following him and fixing his tie] What do we do, Charlie?
Charlie Chaplin : [sadly] Smile.
[they exit the train and are immediately swarmed by a crowd of fans]
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Fred Karno : What about this young brother of yours?
Sydney Chaplin : Well, you know, he's been legit up to now, Mr. Karno. But he sings and he dances a treat.
Fred Karno : Sydney. Sydney, I've got song and dance men like you coming out of me ears. I need comics.
Sydney Chaplin : Yeah, well, his slapstick is fantastic. You know, he's got the knack.
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Fred Karno : You know what comedy is? Knowing who you are and where you come from. And it's got to be perfection.