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Léo Daniderff

Illustration — Léo Daniderff Léo Daniderff (Gaston-Ferdinand Niquet; 16 February 1878 in Angers, France – 24 October 1943 in Rosny-sous-Bois, France) was a French composer of the pre-World War II era. His 1917 comical song, a foxtrot-shimmy named "Je cherche après Titine" (lyrics by Louis Maubon and Marcel Bertal), became world-famous due to Charlie Chaplin's singing it in gibberish in Modern Times (1936), especially because it was the first time his character ever spoke in the movies and Chaplin did not want The Tramp to use any particular language. The title means "I am looking for Titine", and Titine is the diminutive of some feminine first names such as Martine and Clémentine.

Also recorded as Leo Daniderff · Gaston-Ferdinand Niquet

Léo Daniderff

Portrait de Léo Daniderff.

Extrait d'une partition / Ticket:2019090710002657 · Public domain

Full name
Gaston-Ferdinand Niquet.
Born
1878 · Angers.
Died
1943 · Rosny-sous-Bois.
Nationality
France
Occupation
composer
Movements
classical music
Known for
Je cherche après Titine
Languages
French

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Illustration — Léo Daniderff Léo Daniderff (Gaston-Ferdinand Niquet; 16 February 1878 in Angers, France – 24 October 1943 in Rosny-sous-Bois, France) was a French composer of the pre-World War II era. His 1917 comical song, a foxtrot-shimmy named "Je cherche après Titine" (lyrics by Louis Maubon and Marcel Bertal), became world-famous due to Charlie Chaplin's singing it in gibberish in Modern Times (1936), especially because it was the first time his character ever spoke in the movies and Chaplin did not want The Tramp to use any particular language. The title means "I am looking for Titine", and Titine is the diminutive of some feminine first names such as Martine and Clémentine.

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identity unresolved · checked 25 September 2026

Identity
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Authority files

wikidata · Q3270457 · wikipedia · Léo Daniderff

In this article

  1. 01Biography
  2. 02Notes, references and evidence

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