Nicholas Ray

The imagination is a pretty precious source of protection.

I never try to show an actor what to do or what to say. He has to find out for himself. The role of the director is to guide him to that state, and then to implement it.

An actor can be as talented as another, but if he doesn't stick to what the director's intentions are, it all falls down. I adore working with actors.

I knew I wanted to be an actress as soon as I popped out.

Well, I actually wrote her a letter a couple of days ago congratulating her. The tone I tried to convey in the letter is, look, you are a part of a great American historical process.

I never go outside unless I look like Joan Crawford the movie star. If you want to see the girl next door, go next door.