QuoteProject
I know of only six genuine comic geniuses in movie history; Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Groucho Marx & Harpo Marx, Peter Sellers, and W.C. Fields.
Woody Allen
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote highlights the rarity of true comedic brilliance in cinema, identifying six iconic figures known for their exceptional talent.

Woody Allen's quote reflects his appreciation for the art of comedy and acknowledges the extraordinary impact that a few individuals have had on the genre of film. By recognizing only six comic geniuses, he implies that genuine comedic talent is scarce and that these individuals have significantly shaped the landscape of humor in movies. Each mentioned figure, from Chaplin to W.C. Fields, brought a unique style and influence that continues to resonate with audiences today.

Themes

ComedyGeniusFilmHumorCinemaIconic

In practice

Example use cases

During a film studies class, quoting this to highlight references to classic comedy.

More from Woody Allen

I don't believe in an afterlife, but I'm taking an extra pair of underwear just in case.
Woody AllenRead
He adored New York City. He idolized it all out of proportion... no, make that: he - he romanticized it all out of proportion. Yes. To him, no matter what the season was, this was still a town that existed in black and white and pulsated to the great tunes of George Gershwin.
Woody AllenRead
There are three rings involved with marriage. The engagement ring, the wedding ring, and the suffering.
Woody AllenRead
I'm astounded by people who want to 'know' the universe when it's hard enough to find your way around Chinatown.
Woody AllenRead
I was in analysis. I was suicidal. As a matter of fact, I would have killed myself, but I was in analysis with a strict Freudian and if you kill yourself they make you pay for the sessions you miss.
Woody AllenRead
Sex without love is an empty experience, but as empty experiences go, it's one of the best.
Woody AllenRead

Similar quotes

Whoever drinks beer, he is quick to sleep; whoever sleeps long, does not sin; whoever does not sin, enters Heaven! Thus, let us drink beer!
Martin LutherRead
He draweth out the thread of his verbosity finer than the staple of his argument.
William ShakespeareRead
Mostly I just kill time," he said, "and it dies hard.
Raymond ChandlerRead
They who have drunk beer, fall on their back, but there is a peculiarity in the effects of the drink made from barley, for they that get drunk on other intoxicating liquors fall on all parts of their body, they fall on the left side, on the right side, on their faces, and and on their backs. But it is only those who get drunk on beer that fall on their backs with their faces upward.
AristotleRead
And stop pointing that beard at me, it might go off!
Groucho MarxRead
I have a few cavities. I don't like to call them cavities, though - I like to call them 'places to put stuff'. 'Do you know where I can store a pea' 'Yes, I have some locations available.'
Mitch HedbergRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.

Quote by Woody Allen | QuoteProject