The most famous Charlie Chaplin quotes
The top 3 according to 162 votes from people: Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot. · I'm sorry, but I don't want to be an emperor. That's not my business. · All I need to make a comedy is a park, a policeman and a pretty girl.. (Updated Feb 21, 2019.)
From "Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot" to the barber's speech in The Great Dictator: Charlie Chaplin's best-known lines, with the film, book or interview they come from.
Top 11
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1
Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot.
Quoted in his obituary in The Guardian (28 December 1977).
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2
I'm sorry, but I don't want to be an emperor. That's not my business.
The Great Dictator (1940), opening of the final speech.
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3
All I need to make a comedy is a park, a policeman and a pretty girl.
My Autobiography (1964), chapter 10.
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4
More than machinery, we need humanity. More than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness.
The Great Dictator (1940), the barber's speech.
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5
We think too much and feel too little.
The Great Dictator (1940), the barber's speech.
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6
I am for people. I can't help it.
Quoted in The Observer (28 September 1952).
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7
In this world there is room for everyone, and the good earth is rich and can provide for everyone.
The Great Dictator (1940), the barber's speech.
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8
One murder makes a villain. Millions a hero. Numbers sanctify.
Monsieur Verdoux (1947).
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9
I am at peace with God; my conflict is with man.
Monsieur Verdoux (1947).
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10
I remain just one thing, and one thing only, and that is a clown.
Quoted in The Observer (17 June 1960).
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11
Look up to the sky, you'll never find rainbows if you're looking down.
"Swing High Little Girl", song he wrote for the 1969 re-release of The Circus.
How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.
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Comments (2)
The barber's speech at the end of The Great Dictator still gives me chills. Made in 1940, before the US was even in the war.
"Life is a tragedy in close-up, comedy in long-shot" is basically the best description of filmmaking ever written