I was taken in by what might be called the Hard Times version of the Communists' advertising or recruiting technique.

What's called a difficult decision is a difficult decision because either way you go there are penalties.

You've got to keep fighting; you've got to risk your life every six months to stay alive.

One final thing a director needs: The ability to say 'I am wrong' or 'I was wrong.' Not as easy as it sounds. But in many situations, these 3 words, honestly spoken, will save the day.

I've lost many of my best friends... I'm going to satisfy myself now, not the critics, not even my friends.

I was both very successful and very left; the living demonstration of how you could be on the left and still be in the gossip columns and be envied for the money you made.

I wouldn't go up on a stage now if you paid a thousand dollars for one minute of acting. It's a nasty experience. You're up there all by yourself. You're so damn exposed.