"King Karno" tells the story of a clown who embodies a fusion of Commedia dell’Arte’s Arlequino (through his outfit and mask), Charlie Chaplin and other music-hall–trained comedians (through his bowler hat), and the modern clown (through his oversized, colorful boots). His name honors Fred Karno, an acrobat and comedian who became the most influential producer of British pantomime and discovered both Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel. In the narrative, King Karno falls passionately in love with a mannequin, embarking on a mad courtship that is ultimately shattered by a sudden return to reality.