Meaning: This quote by Fred Allen, a renowned comedian from the early 20th century, provides a profound insight into the ephemeral nature of an actor's popularity and success. The imagery of a small boy about to look into a gas tank with a lighted match vividly captures the precarious and short-lived nature of an actor's fame and accomplishments.

In this quote, Fred Allen draws a parallel between an actor's popularity and the fleeting moments of a small boy holding a lighted match and about to look into a gas tank. The comparison is not only vivid but also poignant, as it highlights the transitory and fragile nature of an actor's success in the entertainment industry.

To fully comprehend the depth of this quote, it is essential to understand the context in which it was made. Fred Allen, known for his wit and incisive commentary on various aspects of society, including the world of entertainment, likely made this statement to underscore the precariousness of fame and success in the acting profession. As someone deeply embedded in the world of comedy and entertainment, Allen would have been keenly aware of the transient nature of stardom and the fickle tastes of audiences and industry trends.

The analogy of a small boy with a lighted match about to peer into a gas tank is particularly striking. It conveys a sense of imminent danger and potential disaster. Similarly, the comparison to an actor's popularity and success suggests that despite the outward glitz and glamour, there is an inherent fragility and risk involved. Just as the small boy's action could lead to a catastrophic outcome, an actor's career can be derailed or extinguished in a remarkably short span of time.

This quote also touches upon the inherent vulnerability of actors in the entertainment industry. Their success is often contingent on numerous factors, including public perception, industry trends, personal choices, and even sheer luck. The mercurial nature of fame means that what is in vogue today may be passé tomorrow, leaving actors at the mercy of ever-shifting public tastes and market demands.

Furthermore, the comparison to a small boy underscores the innocence and naivety often associated with actors who may unwittingly find themselves in precarious situations despite their best intentions. Just as a child may not fully comprehend the potential danger of his actions, an actor may be ill-prepared for the capriciousness of fame and the pitfalls that come with it.

In conclusion, Fred Allen's quote succinctly encapsulates the transient and fragile nature of an actor's popularity and success. It serves as a poignant reminder of the volatility inherent in the entertainment industry and the impermanence of stardom. By drawing a vivid analogy with a small boy and a lighted match, Allen masterfully conveys the precariousness and unpredictability of an actor's journey, offering a sobering reflection on the fleeting nature of fame in the world of entertainment.