"6 reels of Joy."
The Kid - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
A picture with a smile - and perhaps, a tear.
— Title Card
Context:
This is one of the first title cards shown at the beginning of the film, setting the tone for the entire narrative.
Meaning:
This opening title card perfectly encapsulates the film's innovative blend of comedy and drama. It prepares the audience for a story that will evoke a wide range of emotions, from laughter to sorrow. It was a revolutionary concept for its time, as films were generally expected to be either purely comedic or dramatic.
Please love and care for this orphan child.
— The Woman (via a note)
Context:
The Tramp finds this note with the baby after several comedic attempts to get rid of him.
Meaning:
This simple, heartfelt plea is the emotional turning point of the film's opening. It transforms the abandoned baby from a burden into a human being in need of love. It is this note that melts the Tramp's heart and convinces him to take on the responsibility of raising the child.
Are you the father of this child? / Well—practically.
— The Doctor and The Tramp
Context:
A doctor, called to attend to the sick Kid, questions the Tramp about his relationship to the boy. This questioning leads to the discovery that the Tramp is not the biological father and sets in motion the conflict with the authorities.
Meaning:
This exchange highlights the central theme of the film: that fatherhood is defined by love and care, not biology. The Tramp's honest and simple answer, "practically," asserts the legitimacy of his role as a father, even though he is not the biological parent.