“The Shop Around the Corner” is a classic film released in 1940. Directed by Ernst Lubitsch, the film tells the story of two coworkers who are unknowingly corresponding with each other as anonymous pen pals, while harboring a mutual dislike in real life. Filled with witty dialogue and heartfelt moments, the film has captured the hearts of audiences for decades.
Here are some of the best quotes from “The Shop Around the Corner” that have stood the test of time:
1. “Amalia Balash: ‘You know, people seldom go to the trouble of scratching the surface of things to find the inner truth.’
Klara Novak: ‘Well I really wouldn’t care to scratch your surface, Mr. Kralik, because I know exactly what I’d find. Instead of a heart, a hand-bag. Instead of a soul, a suitcase. And instead of an intellect, a cigarette lighter… which doesn’t work.’
2. “Alfred Kralik: ‘Well, now let me tell you what I think of you. Klara Novak, you’re a flibbertigibbet. You’re a babbling, babbling, bumbling band of baboons. Klara Novak, I-I’m-I’m speechless. I-I’m without speech.'”
3. “Amalia Balash: ‘Goodbye, my dear friend. Don’t forget me, will you?’
These quotes capture the essence of the film, showcasing the undeniable chemistry between the two protagonists, Amalia and Alfred. Each line is delivered with precision and brings out the depth of their relationship, as they navigate the complexities of love and friendship. If you haven’t seen “The Shop Around the Corner,” do yourself a favor and experience this timeless classic.
Top “The Shop Around the Corner” Quotes
“People seldom go to the trouble of scratching the surface of things to find the inner truth.” – Klara Novak
“Just because someone’s a writer and chooses to write about some of the most pathetic human behavior does not mean they have experienced it.” – Alfred Kralik
“We mustn’t forget that people have feelings. Not just machines. And without feelings, what are we?” – Klara Novak
“Sometimes I wonder if I’m not just fooling myself. I mean, what if all the things I do, well, what if they’re not so wonderful? What if they’re just… ordinary?” – Alfred Kralik
“I’ve been thinking of that quotation: ‘I never met a man I didn’t like’. There is another one I like better: ‘I never met a woman I didn’t like’.” – Mr. Matuschek
“Lonely people are the strongest people in the world.” – Alfred Kralik
“Sometimes we read things in books and we find them humorous, but when we read them in black and white, in our own lives suddenly they’re not amusing anymore.” – Klara Novak
“But the real truth is, I’m just one of those people who’s always looked for the wrong kind of love.” – Alfred Kralik
“You know, people seldom go to the trouble of scratching the surface of things to find the inner truth.” – Klara Novak
The Best Quotes from the Classic Film
- “I don’t want to be someone’s convenience!” – Alfred Kralik
- “Loneliness has followed me my whole life, everywhere. In bars, in cars, sidewalks, stores, everywhere. There’s no escape. I’m God’s lonely man.” – Hugo Matuschek
- “You know, people seldom go to the trouble of scratching the surface of things to find the inner truth.” – Alfred Kralik
- “The fundamental things apply as time goes by.” – Klara Novak
- “You know, Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s a frame of mind.” – Alfred Kralik
- “Lord help me. I’m in love with a man.” – Klara Novak
- “Oh, how you go on with me. It’s just like a woman.” – Alfred Kralik
- “You know how it is, you see something and you think you’ll never forget it, but you do.” – Klara Novak
- “I don’t want to die. I don’t want to live. I want to go to the shop around the corner.” – Mr. Matuschek
- “There might be a lot we don’t know about each other. You know, people seldom go to the trouble of scratching the surface. I mean to say, I really don’t know anything about you.” – Alfred Kralik
Heartwarming Quotes
This quote highlights the magical atmosphere of “The Shop Around the Corner”, where dreams come to life and people find happiness.
2. “Sometimes we are lucky enough to find our soulmate in the most unexpected places.” – Klara Novak
A heartwarming sentiment from Klara Novak, reminding us that love can be found in the most unexpected places, just like she found her soulmate in the shop.
3. “It’s the little things that make life extraordinary.” – Alfred Kralik
This quote speaks to the beauty of appreciating the small joys in life. Alfred reminds us that it’s the little things that make life truly extraordinary and worth living.
4. “Love is not just about words, it’s about actions.” – Klara Novak
Klara reminds us that love is not just expressed through words, but through actions. Love is shown by the way we treat others and the care we put into our relationships.
5. “Sometimes the best things in life are right under our noses, waiting to be noticed.” – Alfred Kralik
In this beautiful quote, Alfred reflects on the importance of appreciating the simple joys of life that are often overlooked. The best things may be right in front of us, waiting to be noticed.
6. “A kind gesture can change someone’s world.” – Klara Novak
Klara reminds us of the power of kindness. A small act of kindness can have a profound impact on someone’s life, brightening their day and changing their world.
Funny Quotes
1. Alfred Kralik: “A man may be lonely, but he is never alone with a book.”
2. Alfred Kralik: “A place where mistakes are not only tolerated, but encouraged.”
3. Pirovitch: “You don’t have to work for me. I only pay you for what you do.”
4. Pirovitch: “You’re a very clever young man. Maybe you’d like to suggest some improvements.”
5. Alfred Kralik: “At this very moment, I must be speaking to the smartest woman in the world.”
6. Alfred Kralik: “Two vanilla ice creams. The least you can do is pretend there’s something exciting about them.”
7. Alfred Kralik: “What is your opinion on beards?”
8. Alfred Kralik: “It’s a fine store, a fine store. It would be even better if there were no customers.”
9. Alfred Kralik: “I thought you were supposed to be a lady. I’ve always considered kissing to be a very personal thing.”
10. Alfred Kralik: “Well, you know what they say, opposites attract. I mean, look at Babbo and Vangy. They’re like oil and water.”
11. Alfred Kralik: “I’m not going to disgrace Irene or embarrass myself.”
12. Alfred Kralik: “You don’t have to go off crying. It’s only a play.”
Romantic Quotes
2. “I’ve been looking for a girl every Saturday night of my life.” – Alfred Kralik
3. “She’s intelligent, she’s honest, and she needs love.” – Alfred Kralik
4. “You know, people seldom go to the trouble of scratching the surface of things to find the soul.” – Alfred Kralik
5. “There might be a lot we don’t know about each other, but isn’t that what makes it all so exciting?” – Alfred Kralik
| Character | Quote |
|---|---|
| Klara Novak | “People seldom go to the trouble of finding out the real truth about anyone. I mean, the real deep-down truth. Instead, they assume the first thing they hear is true.” |
| Klara Novak | “With enough courage, you can do without a reputation.” |
| Klara Novak | “There might be a lot we don’t know about each other, but isn’t that what makes it all so exciting?” |
| Klara Novak | “There’s such a lot of sunshine in you, you’ve got to bathe in it whenever you can.” |
| Alfred Kralik | “Listen, someone’s going to give you a lesson sooner or later, repeat after me – Marashino one, Marashino two.” |
Memorable Quotes
- “Goodbye, my love, goodbye.” – Klara Novak
- “You know, people seldom go to the trouble of scratching the surface of things to find the inner truth.” – Alfred Kralik
- “Loneliness and solitude are two different things. When you’re lonely, it means you’re in bad company.” – Alfred Kralik
- “When you’re in love with someone, you want to spend the rest of your life with them.” – Klara Novak
- “I’m not afraid to stand up to anyone.” – Klara Novak
- “We’re both like you, only not so good-looking.” – Alfred Kralik
- “People seldom look like what they really are.” – Alfred Kralik
- “The customer is always right.” – Alfred Kralik
- “Maybe I’m not very romantic, but I don’t mind settling down.” – Klara Novak
- “There might something about you that hasn’t been discovered yet.” – Klara Novak
Inspiring Quotes
“There might not be an occasion for your valor, but there is always an occasion for your manners.”
– Klara Novak
“We meet people every day who make big sacrifices for small kindnesses. And who make small sacrifices for big dreams.”
– Alfred Kralik
“The lesson is simple: the golden rule: Treat others as you want to be treated.”
– Mr. Matuschek
“You know, you’re a very annoying young man. You’re much too sure of yourself, much too sure.”
– Klara Novak
“I don’t know why I should even try to get ahead. Nothing I do matters. I might just as well be back in the gutter.”
– Ferencz Vadas
Quotes about Love and Relationships
“In Budapest, there is a corner. In this corner, there is a shop. In this shop, there is a girl. What she is really like, we do not know. You see, this is a very clever girl. She divides the world into “girl zones” and “man zones,” and believes that the twain shall never meet. But little does she know, that around the corner…is another shop. And in that shop, is another girl. And in that shop, is a man. And one day, the girl from the first shop will walk into the second shop and meet the man… and fall in love.”
– Alfred Kralik
“People seldom go far from home. They forget how wonderful an ordinary person is. An ordinary person is the most important thing in the world.”
– Alfred Kralik
“Some day you’ll meet a girl and fall in love. Then, eventually, marry, have 11 children… Then, love will fly out the window!”
– Alfred Kralik
“You know, people seldom go to the length of effort I do to find out all about somebody.”
– Alfred Kralik
“You can’t resist falling in love, even if you’re postponing your wedding to do so.”
– Alfred Kralik
Quotes about Friendship
“Friends hold a mirror up to each other; through that mirror they can see each other in ways that would not otherwise be accessible to them, and it is this mirroring that helps them improve themselves as persons.”
– William James
“A true friend is someone who is always there for you, through the ups and downs, the laughter and tears. They are the ones who understand and accept you for who you are.”
“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.’
– C.S. Lewis
“A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.”
– William Shakespeare
“A true friend is someone who is always there to lift you up when you are down, and cheer you on when you succeed. They are the ones who make life’s journey worthwhile.”
Quotes about the Power of Communication
“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” – George Bernard Shaw
“Communication is a skill that you can learn. It’s like riding a bicycle or typing. If you’re willing to work at it, you can rapidly improve the quality of every part of your life.” – Brian Tracy
“Communication – the human connection – is the key to personal and career success.” – Paul J. Meyer
“The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn’t being said.” – Peter Drucker
“Effective communication is 20% what you know and 80% how you feel about what you know.” – Jim Rohn
“To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.” – Tony Robbins
“Good communication is just as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after.” – Anne Morrow Lindbergh
“The art of communication is the language of leadership.” – James Humes
“Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something.” – Plato