The funny thing about our act is that dad gets the worst of it, although I'm the one who apparently receives the bruises . . . the secret is in landing limp and breaking the fall with a foot or a hand. It's a knack. I started so young that landing right is second nature with me. Several times I'd have been killed if I hadn't been able to land like a cat. Imitators of our act don't last long, because they can't stand the treatment.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Keaton explains the skill behind his physical stunts, noting it requires training and instinct to survive.
- In plain terms
- Physical comedy looks easy but takes years to master.
- What can you take from it?
- Practice stunt skills until natural.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How is comedy physically demanding?
- Can anyone learn stunts?
Another view
Not all performers have the physical tolerance.
More from Buster Keaton
We used to get arrested every other week - that is, the old man would get arrested.
Permalink to quote #1 If one more person tells me this is just like old times, I swear I'll jump out the window.
Permalink to quote #3 Charlie Chaplin and I would have a friendly contest: Who could do the feature film with the least subtitles?
Permalink to quote #4
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