Mario Moreno was a Mexican comedian known around the world as “Cantinflas” after the character of the same name he portrayed in his films. The Mexican legend began his career in the 1920s performing in circuses and traveling with troops of comedians.
In 1936, Moreno made his movie debut in “No Te Engañes Corazon.” Four years later, he starred in “Ahí está el detalle,” Moreno’s signature movie which is considered one of the greatest films in the history of Mexican cinema.
“Cantinflas” captures the image and attitude of a type of person known in México as a “pelado,” an unemployed, down and out person who relies on cunning and wit to survive. He was featured wearing poor fitting clothing that exaggerated his lowly economic status and often contrasted with the upstanding, tidy appearance of the characters he confused and subtly ridiculed.
Moreno was often compared to Charlie Chaplin. Audiences were able to find the appeal of this lovable underdog irresistible. “Cantinflas” defined the Mexican comedy era. Chaplin even once referred to Mario Moreno as “the funniest man in the world.”
Mario Moreno “Cantinflas” passed away April 20, 1992. Today, we remember this legendary funnyman with 10 of his most memorable quotes:
1) ¿No que no chato? (I thought you said no, dude!): He would use this phrase when he wanted to make sure everyone knew he was right.
2) Ahí está el detalle (Here is the point): From his most famous movie "Ahí Está El Detalle."
3) ¡A sus órdenes jefe! (At your service boss!): Made famous in his movie “El Patrullero 777.”
4) No estoy para que ustedes me digan, ni yo para decírselos (I’m not here for you to tell me, and neither for me to tell you): He was known for his tongue-twisters.
5) Usted no se despreocupe (You don’t un-worry yourself): He had the ability to speak non-sense and still be funny.
6) Por un lado es mucho, pero por otro es poco (On one side is a lot, and on the other is little): He managed to make perfect sense in his imperfection.
7) Todas las ideas son respetables aunque sean ideítas o ideotas (All ideas are respectable, even if they are little ideas, or big ideas): From the movie “Su Excelencia” (Your Highness) in 1977.
8) Si se necesita un sacrificio, renuncio a mi parte y agarro la suya (If you need a sacrifice, I’ll give up my part…and I’ll take yours): Not dumb at all, huh?
9) Algo malo debe tener el trabajo, o los ricos ya lo habrían acaparado (There must be something wrong with work, otherwise rich men wold’ve taken it all already): Makes a lot of sense!
10) Como dijo ese gran poeta, que no dijo nada pues porque no le dieron tiempo, pero como dijo “Chicaspear,” la filosofía de la vida es “to be or no to be” que quiere decir “te vi o no” (Like a great poet once said, or maybe he didn’t because he didn’t have the time, but like “Chicaspear” said, life’s philosophy is “to be or not to be” which means “I saw you or I didn’t see you”): From “Yo Soy Cantinflas” in 1983.
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