Original subtitles

This is based on real events.

This is a work of fiction, similarities are mere coincidence.

"He who laughs last

is worth two in the bush."

Well, that's the idea.

Chavo! Chavo! Chavo!

We're on in 20!

Just 20? Didn't we have an hour?

Rubén!

PROFESSOR GIRAFALES

-We're on in 20! -20 minutes?

Maggie...

Plans changed. We must go on earlier.

-Is Roberto ready? -Well...

I don't know. I'll talk to him right away.

Okay. Maybe you can cheer him up.

-We're on in 20. -I'm ready.

Edgar!

-We're on in 20! -In 20?

Roberto.

Can I come in?

Come in.

Bob...

Plans changed, we have to go on earlier.

Why?

Well...

There is a lot of expectation.

Everyone is excited.

I get it.

But remember, it's just an exhibition parade.

Horacio, I am full of mixed feelings.

I know, bro.

I feel guilty,

even though I know what we are doing here is a good thing,

but I wish I wasn't here right now.

I wish we could get away.

-Remember? -Jeez!

The good old days.

Roberto, come here!

-Wait, don't run! -Come! Hurry!

We're coming. Wait for your brothers.

Hurry up! Come, Horacio!

Come one, come all, ladies and gentlemen,

welcome to the wonderful Ayotlan circus!

Look at the zebras.

They're huge!

Welcome!

-Look, a clown! -There are jugglers!

Look at the twins! They are glued together!

-Hello. -Hello.

Welcome to the Ayotlan circus!

Come here, kid!

Come on in!

What's your name, squirt?

Roberto.

-What? -What did he say?

What?

Roberto Gómez Bolaños.

Good!

It was not really on purpose.

What?

It was not really on purpose.

Louder!

Chavo! Chavo! Chavo!

Chavo! Chavo! Chavo!

Chavo! Chavo! Chavo!

Going down.

NOT REALLY ON PURPOSE: THE STORY OF CHESPIRITO

Good morning, Mexicans!

From the radio-waves, we welcome you to a new broadcast,

where you can join us on this blessed working day.

It is a beautiful day for you to enjoy your work

and take home the bread your family eagerly awaits for every day.

Join us for some of the best melodies...

-Look at this guy, he's crazy! -Really crazy.

The boss is coming!

Let's get back to work.

Roberto!

What are you doing?

-I'm supposed to count rivets, sir. -So?

I just count the hours until the week is over

and I can go out with my siblings.

That's wonderful.

But as far as I'm concerned, it's many hours before Saturday.

Come on, men. Get back to work.

Yes, sir!

Of course.

Boss says it's still a long way until Saturday.

-Yeah! -Get to work!

Time to make a run for it!

Where you going?

-Don't do it! -Come here!

Hey, shorty! Come on!

Can you punch my card?

-Again, Roberto? -Yes.

Come on!

Jesus, hurry up with those boxes.

-On my way. -Storage six!

Yes, right away.

APPRENTICE PRODUCERS AND SCREENWRITERS WANTED

Juleo, is that you?

My beautiful Romiet!

Look at how pretty the moon is!

But you are prettier!

Look how bright the stars are!

But you are brighter!

It's so hot in here!

But you are hot...

Care for a smoke?

These guys are the masters of ridiculousness.

What's ridiculous is you, Jamaica.

Think that makes people laugh? You're just pitiful.

Well, we got more than a smile out of your sister.

Wait!

Give my tickets back, Pockmarked Face!

Come on!

Beware of these crooks.

Don't get close to them, babe.

Don't call me "babe." My name's Graciela.

Stop bugging her, Jamaica.

Crispin is a prankster, but none of us are thieves.

I cannot speak for everyone.

-What are they for? -For a raffle.

What will be in the draw?

Buy one and find out.

They're for the Spring Ball.

Kid, you can't come in here nor sell tickets.

I was leaving.

-See you! -Bye-bye!

The ball is on March 21.

And the raffle is to help the orphanage in Morelia,

who almost lost everything because of this guy.

I got a few of them.

And I told her you were not a thief.

Are you too brave?

Thank you.

Thank you.

What are you doing?

Taking notes so I don't forget.

Yeah, right.

And you always do it while your brothers sleep?

I only ask you not to become irresponsible like your dad.

What?

Fantasies don't fill the stomach, Roberto.

Art can kill you just like it did to him.

Go to sleep. Focus on your job.

Thank you for tuning to listen to the top hits

and what's going on in your community.

Radio Central, your company everywhere.

Discover the new beer...

THE NEW TELEVISION IS HERE

1978 MEXICO CITY

Set the monitors.

Yes, sir.

Right. This one or this one?

Thanks.

-Have you rehearsed? -Yes, we have.

Then she will come in...

Exactly.

Sir? Sir! Sir!

Would you sign this photo for my son? He's a big fan.

Sure, it's five pesos.

-What? -It's a bargain, right?

If I charged you for what it's worth you couldn't pay.

The thing is I don't have...

I'm joking! Of course I'll do it.

Tell me your son's name.

Luisito.

Luisito.

You're pretty.

What is this?

Is there a meeting? Why are you all here?

How come you don't know?

We are waiting for Figueras, Roberto.

You said he wanted to talk, but he wasn't in his office.

-Roberto... -He's coming!

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon, sir.

It's already the afternoon?

Cleaning staff!

Only this gentleman has permission to smoke

on my company's sets.

Even with his clumsiness.

It's not clumsiness, it's comedy-to-be.

It has so much potential that he thought you were the cleaner.

I came to let you know what I have planned for the show.

I want to take El Chavo to Acapulco, to stay at Miguel's hotel.

The character of El Chavo?

And everyone from the tenement.

Jeez!

And how is he going to Acapulco without money?

-It's up to you to figure it out. -What are you going to solve?

The money part, I'll pay for everything. Except for the hotel.

That's Miguel's issue.

Picture it, Monchito.

-Could you rehearse with cameras? -Come on, to set!

Lights.

-Give me lights. -Right away, sir!

Enough already.

What else do you need?

I think it's an interesting idea to shoot in Acapulco.

But I would have liked it if you talked to me about it first.

It is a good chance to give the show a fresh look.

Imagine all your characters on the beach.

That way we can promote Miguel's hotel.

Yes, I thought it had something to do with that.

El Chapulín too. Write a story in the beach for him.

You abuse my nobility.

You can't?

Weren't you the genius of Mexican television?

No way!

Beethoven was a genius and he is dead.

Einstein... And he's also dead.

And I haven't been feeling well lately.

I'll leave you to it.

Boss...

Okay.

-Mariano, where are we going to start? -From the beginning.

Introducing a small television camera which, unlike a movie camera,

captures images of objects and broadcasts them by radio or cable.

After years of test broadcasting, television is now a reality,

for any family to enjoy at home.

Where did you get it?

The Porters lent it to us for a few days, Mom,

so that we could buy one.

No way, forget it!

It is a luxury for eccentric millionaires,

and we are neither one nor the other.

Give it back right now.

We can pay in installments.

Look.

They said a new TV channel will be launched in a few months.

Can you imagine?

People could watch baseball from home.

Another TV channel?

Why on Earth do we need another TV channel?

What do you mean what for, Mom?

We could watch news and movies without going to the cinema.

If the Porters were able to buy one...

Television is the future, Mom.

It'll be the Porters' future, who can afford it.

But in the Gómez Bolaños' future, I don't see a television!

Roberto, untangle that!

Ready?

Let's get going.

I'll catch up with you.

Help me take this back to the Porters.

-Sure. -Be careful.

-You could have at least plugged it in. -She didn't give me the chance.

Be careful!

PRIMAVERA CLUB

Hi, babe.

-Do you want to dance? -No.

She told you not to call her "babe."

These are yours.

-Why do you have them? -Cause he's a thief!

No one is talking to you.

You forgot them at the pool hall, I got them for you. Please take them.

-Then buy them. -I'll give you the money later.

I'll give you the tickets later.

Do you want to dance?

No.

Do you really know how to dance?

Kind of.

No, we are going to lose the rhythm.

-If you call that a rhythm, babe. -Don't call her "babe!"

No!

Let's go outside!

-Meet me outside! -Take it easy.

They are looking for apprentice writers and producers.

Are you considering quitting?

There's nothing I'd like to do more.

Then, quit.

No way!

My mom would have a stroke.

Then, don't quit.

I don't know if I was born to count rivets.

So, quit.

What if I don't get the job?

Of all the guys of your Aracuanes gang...

"Club." "Aracuanes Club."

Aracuanes Club.

You...

I don't know.

You have something.

You're different.

You're the funniest.

Do you really think I'm funny?

Yes.

And I'm a good dancer.

You're not that bad.

And I'm handsome.

You're a good dancer.

Don't overthink it.

I'll tell you what the person I admire the most, my dad, told me,

"Stick to what you know."

Is your dad a philosopher?

No.

A shoemaker.

JULEO AND ROMIET

Sir?

What do you want, Roberto?

I came to tell you I won't work here anymore.

What?

Here's my resignation.

What nonsense are you up to?

It's hard to explain.

Of course, nonsense is always hard to explain.

Your mom suspected as much.

What?

Yes, she suspected it from the beginning.

-Have you already told her? -No, not yet.

That's too bad. You'll break her heart.

Maybe, but I've already made my decision.

You have not thought out things properly.

I already have, sir.

And I appreciate the opportunity.

As a wise man once said,

"Stick to what you know."

And this is as far as I go.

May your decision pay off, Roberto.

Thank you.

Go.

Excuse me.

D'ARCY AD AGENCY

APPRENTICE PRODUCERS AND SCREENWRITERS

Where are you going?

Here.

Why are you here?

I got a call.

Who?

This ad I saw in the newspaper called my attention.

It says, "D'arcy Ad Agency,

apprentice producers and screenwriters wanted."

You must line up.

This is the producers' line. They say they earn a good wage.

The line over there are writers.

Thank you.

Do you study Engineering?

I like mathematics.

Why are you looking for a job as a writer?

I like the words better.

Did you write this?

Yes. Well, some parts, but yes.

How's your typing?

This is the ultimate test.

Instructions are on your sheets.

You have to type the text and you have 30 minutes to finish it.

Well, I haven't touched a typewriter in the last two years.

Time's up.

Give me your writings.

Here.

Here's mine.

Here.

Gómez?

Why are you here?

Making goofy jokes and playing "Romeo and Juliet"

doesn't make you a writer.

"Juleo and Romiet."

Do you work here, Jamaica?

Do not ask the obvious.

Don't waste our time.

Sir.

Who did the handwriting?

Me.

Well, thank you so much.

On Monday, we'll tell you if you are unemployed

or have a future at D'arcy.

Thank you.

-Bye. -Thank you.

They are going to beat us!

No, sir! No way!

Come on, Roberto!

Come on! You got it!

Goal!

I scored!

Goal!

I have already quit!

Good, you're unemployed!

Yes! No.

Yes or no?

Kind of, but...

-Nice goal! -I'll explain later.

The writing had to be typed.

In two years you forgot how to use a typewriter?

I didn't lie to you when I said

that I hadn't used a typewriter in two years.

But I didn't specify that I hadn't used it either

in any of my other years of existence.

You'll have to learn, my friend.

You are witty.

It's because I'm an engineer.

We must polish your humor. Welcome to D'arcy.

Thank you very much, sir. I promise you won't regret it.

-You've got guts. -The interviewer said the same thing.

-He admired your openness. -Hush!

I can't believe it.

All of this on a whim.

You sent everything to hell just like that.

-I didn't. -You did!

Do you think life is a joke?

Do you think responsibilities are a joke?

You had a good job, son.

But I didn't like it.

Come on!

If working was nice, we wouldn't get paid to do it!

Then you don't like your job either.

It was thanks to my job that I could take care of you.

Yes, I also like poetry and to write.

I do it when I can, but I don't obsess over a pipe dream!

If I don't take the risk, I'll never know what I'm good for.

You are good at contradicting me.

Just like your father.

My father...

My father would be proud of me.

And you'll be proud of me someday too.

I promise you that.

-Anybody wants water? -Yes.

Give me Mom's plate.

Okay.

-Shall I pour you some water, Mom? -Yes, son.

I want some rice.

Will you teach me to paint, Dad?

Of course.

Look, everything fits in these five little holes.

With them, you can create any color you can think of.

Any?

Yes, tell me the first one that comes to your mind.

What color is laughter?

You are an artist.

Hello.

You look like a doll.

Thank you.

I did it.

There's no turning back now.

I have a new job.

That's great!

How does it feel?

It's like being in love.

Having a dream is like picturing you are the right person

to create an illusion,

that you can feel it...

To build it...

To believe that you're brave enough to...

To kiss her.

Want to be my girlfriend?

Do you think I go around kissing any dreamer?

I hope not.

You're not going to break my heart, are you?

I promise I'll cherish your heart.

1978 MEXICO CITY

Can you help me?

The ring looks good on you.

What do you think about going to Acapulco?

Whatever you do, it will work.

Do you think so?

May I? I need to talk to my brother.

Sure.

Thank you, Maggie.

What are you doing?

Nothing.

Hanging up my Chapulín suit.

Yeah, right.

Roberto, she is marrying Mariano.

And you're married too.

You don't have to tell me.

I love Graciela.

I love her, I swear.

You know how important my family and my six children are to me.

Then don't gamble on it.

It's beautiful!

I can't believe it!

-He looks very handsome, doesn't he? -Yes.

You look pretty!

Ready for the photo?

What are you doing?

Wait a minute.

1956 CIUDAD DE MEXICO

We are good.

One, two,

three.

Gómez.

Roberto Gómez!

Sorry.

Leave that and come.

-Me? -We need you in the boardroom.

Me? With the big bosses?

We're one month away to open the new plant.

-Maybe... -Hello.

How can I help you?

Help with the coffee, Roberto. Refill the cups. Change the coffee.

Do you need four days to think up a slogan?

-Quickly. -Is this a joke?

When have we ever let you down?

I don't know why you are concerned.

Perhaps the creative staff should be revamped.

No, it is not necessary.

I had an idea, maybe the slogan could be,

"Efficient trucks for strong men."

God, Jamaica!

We're looking for rhythmic, cadenced taglines

that will stay in people's memories.

Exactly!

Something memorable, like Novo's slogans.

This is everything but memorable!

It must have a musicality, some rhythm. Some of that.

Did you forget something, Gómez?

-Is it a new proposal or...? -I don't think so.

Gómez is not...

"It yields more and never stops."

"It yields more."

"And never stops."

It's exactly what we're looking for!

I love it.

I love it!

How are you doing with the typewriter?

I type like a chicken eating corn, but I'm getting better.

Roberto is an advertising man who tells jokes.

I don't think it's a good idea to make him a writer.

Roberto is not only witty, but also hungry.

It doesn't mean he's talented.

Write something, man!

-Guys, he's my top writer. -I can see.

I'm his supervisor.

Right.

What do you think we could do?

One, two, three.

Congrats!

Thank you so much for joining us in our first 200 radio shows.

Thank you!

Thank you for coming, we are done for today.

Thank you and farewell.

-Okay, we're going to cut it. -Congrats.

Well done!

Thank you for coming.

-I'm sorry! -Be careful!

Sorry, I'm sorry.

You sure got caked, man.

Good job, congratulations.

Thank you for coming.

-Watch out! -Sorry, I'm sorry!

What are you doing, man?

Give me that cloth.

-Thank you, sir. -I can't believe it!

We must take this to television.

Mind the wires!

1960 MEXICO CITY

-And a tutu. -Yes.

Why is it written in the newspaper advertisement

that you are doctors and heal belly ailments?

-Where is it written? -Here.

"Epidemic of indigestible bellies."

"Academy of indigenist dances!"

Brilliant.

The thing is you can't read.

What?

You are the ones who don't know how to advertise!

Here it clearly states,

"Alpha-Tango and codes in double."

"Tango classes, guaracha and pasodoble."

"Her name is Millicent Baystander."

"She's just an innocent bystander."

Let infinity be without stars

Or let the wide sea lose its immensity

But don't let the black of your eyes ever die

And let that cinnamon skin of yours stay the same

My pretty doll.

What's going on?

Do you want to come with me to Acapulco to tape El Chavo?

Me?

Let's rewrite our history.

Maybe.

Acapulco.

You and me again, just like on our honeymoon.

But this time with a bunch of kids.

Acapulco, your six children and the production of the show.

My two families.

You and the tenement gang.

-Do you have everything? -We'll see how it works.

At least it will be interesting.

-Hello, how are you? -Chespirito, an autograph, please.

Give me a hand.

Thank you.

Will we get along?

We are grown-ups now.

Not all of us.

-Wait here. -Okay.

Sir!

There will be things we'll have to work out.

But I think it's a good chance...

Welcome.

To reconnect as a family.

You know, the idea is to get everything ready in Caracas.

Quico, can I have your autograph?

Well...

Sure! What's your name?

-Matías. -And what's your name, honey?

-Linda. -What a beautiful name.

The bosses are hesitant and want to talk to you.

They don't think you will quit the show.

Don't worry.

I would be happy to talk to them.

I'm not quitting the show, I'm quitting Roberto.

What does Roberto say?

Roberto?

Fuck Roberto!

What do you say?

Okay.

Let's go to Acapulco.