Man on the Moon (1999)
Peter Bonerz: Ed. Weinberger
Quotes
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[a producer at Taxi wants to fire Tony Clifton, but he needs Andy's permission to do so. He has George call Andy who is supposedly doing a concert in San Francisco. As Tony continues to cause chaos on the set, Andy's voice comes through on the other line]
George Shapiro : Hello, Andy. I'm here with Ed over at Taxi.
Andy Kaufman : Hi, Ed.
Ed. Weinberger - 'Taxi' Producer : Hi, Andy.
Andy Kaufman : How are you?
Ed. Weinberger - 'Taxi' Producer : I'm fine.
George Shapiro : There's been some trouble with Tony.
Andy Kaufman : [sounding genuinely shocked] Oh, no! Did he get hurt?
George Shapiro : No, Andy, it's nothing like-- No.
Andy Kaufman : Did he hurt someone else?
Ed. Weinberger - 'Taxi' Producer : No, it's not that. Andy, the reason I'm calling you like this is... I have the utmost respect for your artistry.
Andy Kaufman : Well, may I say that I've always appreciated that, Ed.
Ed. Weinberger - 'Taxi' Producer : Thank you. But you see, in this instance... I have to ask your permission to fire Tony.
[Andy is in fact backstage at Taxi in full Tony Clifton costume and makeup. He covers the speaker of the telephone and jumps up and down with joy]
Andy Kaufman : [resumes shocked tone] Oh, my... George, this is gonna kill Tony. He's waited for this his whole life.
George Shapiro : There'll be other shots.
Ed. Weinberger - 'Taxi' Producer : Yeah, we have to do this. He's just a terrible actor.
Andy Kaufman : Okay. But please let him down gently.
[Smash cut to...]
Tony Clifton : FUCK YOU! I'M NOT GOING!
Ed. Weinberger - 'Taxi' Producer : We had a deal.
Tony Clifton : I don't know who you talked to. You must have talked to someone else!
Ed. Weinberger - 'Taxi' Producer : [angrily] I was talking to Andy Kaufman!
Tony Clifton : I DON'T KNOW NO ANDY KAUFMAN!