Chaplin (1992)

John Thaw: Fred Karno

Quotes 

• 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] 

• 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.

• Fred Karno : You know what comedy is? Knowing who you are and where you come from. And it's got to be perfection.