19 quotes
Self-Despair in a Troubled World
Terry
I'd despise myself if I thought that.
Calvero
That's the trouble, you do. That's the trouble with the world. We all despise ourselves.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Thrill of Making People Laugh
Terry
What a sad business, being funny.
Calvero
Very sad if they won't laugh. But it's a thrill when they do. To look out there and see them all laughing, to hear that roar go up, waves of laughter coming at you.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Beauty and Struggle of Life
Terry
What is there to fight for?
Calvero
Ah, you see, you admit it. What is there to fight for? Everything! Life itself, isn't that enough? To be lived, suffered, enjoyed! What is there to fight for? Life is a beautiful, magnificent thing, even to a jellyfish. Huh, what is there to fight for? Besides, you - you have your art, your dancing!
Terry
I can't dance without legs!
Calvero
I know a man without arms who can play a scherzo on a violin and does it all with his toes. The trouble is you won't fight! You've given in, continually dwelling on sickness and death. But - there's something just as inevitable as death, and that's life. Life, life, life! Think of the power that's in the universe, moving the earth, growing the trees. That's the same power within you if you only have courage and the will to use it!
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Masterpiece of Laughter and Tears
Taglines
The masterpiece of laughter and tears from the master of comedy!
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Value of True Feelings and Opportunities
Terry
So few of us have the ability to really feel.
Calvero
Or the opportunity.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Humor and Perception in Unexpected Places
Terry
Worms can't smile!
Calvero
Oh, how would you know, have you ever appealed to their sense of humour?
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Retirement from Humor and Clowning
Calvero
I'm through clowning. Life isn't a gag anymore. I can't see the joke. From now on, I'm a retired humorist.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Nostalgia and Frustration in Familiar Times
Calvero's partner
If one more person tells me this is just like old times, I swear I'll jump out the window!
Postant
Here we are again, lads, just like old times!
[enters]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Complexity of Love and Admiration
Calvero
I want to forget the public.
Terry
Never. You love them too much.
Calvero
I'm not so sure. Maybe I love them, but I don't admire them.
Terry
I think you do.
Calvero
As individuals, yes. There's greatness in everyone. But as a crowd, they're like a monster without a head that never knows which way it's going to turn. It can be prodded in any direction.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Value of Life Across Generations
Terry
I'm sorry.
[after attempting suicide]
Calvero
You should be. A young girl like you wanting to throw your life away. Heh! When you are my age you want to hang onto it.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Struggle of Aging in Comedy
Calvero
As a man gets on in years he wants to live deeply. A feeling of sad dignity comes upon him, and that's fatal for a comic. It affected my work. I lost contact with the audience, couldn't warm up to them.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Embracing the Present Amidst Hopelessness
Calvero
At this stage of the game life gets to be a habit.
Terry
A hopeless one.
Calvero
Then live without hope. Live for the moment. There are still - there are still - there are still wonderful moments.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Desire Defines Life's Purpose and Meaning
Calvero
What do you want meaning for? Life is a desire, not a meaning. Desire is the theme of all life! It makes a rose want to be a rose and want to grow like that. And a rock want to contain itself and remain like that.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Theater as a Home and Identity
Terry
If all else fails, there's always that little home in the country.
Calvero
My home is the theater.
Terry
I thought you hated the theater.
Calvero
I also hate the sight of blood, but it's in my veins.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Courage and Imagination Make Life Wonderful
Calvero
Life can be wonderful if you're not afraid of it. All it needs is courage, imagination... and a little dough.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Emotional Journey of Love and Laughter
Taglines
It will move you to love, laughter and tears.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Embracing the Street Life's Appeal
Calvero
There's something about working the streets I like. It's the tramp in me I suppose.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Inevitability of Time's Narrative
Calvero
Time is the great author. Always writes the perfect ending.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Nature of Amateurism in Life
Calvero
That's all any of us are: amateurs. We don't live long enough to be anything else.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.