7 Faces of Dr. Lao (1964)

Kevin Tate: Mike Benedict

Quotes 

• [an evening heart-to-heart between Dr. Lao and Mike] 

  Dr. Lao : Mike, let me tell you something. The whole world is a circus if you know how to look at it. The way the sun goes down when you're tired, comes up when you want to be on the move. That's real magic. The way a leaf grows. The song of the birds. The way the desert looks at night, with the moon embracing it. Oh, my boy, that's... that's circus enough for anyone. Every time you watch a rainbow and feel wonder in your heart. Every time you pick up a handful of dust, and see not the dust, but a mystery, a marvel, there in your hand. Every time you stop and think, "I'm alive, and being alive is fantastic!" Every time such a thing happens, you're part of the Circus of Dr. Lao.

  Mike : I don't understand.

  Dr. Lao : Neither do I.

• Dr. Lao : My specialty is wisdom. Do you know what wisdom is?

  Mike : No sir.

  Dr. Lao : Wise answer.

• Mike : Are you an acrobat?

  Dr. Lao : Only philosophically.

• Mike : How old are you?

  Dr. Lao : I believe I shall tell you. I am seven thousand, three hundred and twenty-two years old... this October.

  Mike : Whew! That is old!

  Dr. Lao : It is, rather.

• Mike : Can you walk a tightrope?

  Dr. Lao : If wequired.

• Mike : [on his bike tossing newspapers to townspeople]  Read all about it! Circus coming to town! Good morning, Mr. Ramsey!

  Peter Ramsey : [exasperated after being struck on backside by one of Mike's newspapers]  Oh! Why don't you aim, boy?

  Mike : I do, Mr. Ramsey! I do!