Look for the contradictions in every character, especially in your heroes and villains. No one should be what they first seem to be. Surprise the audience.

I used to spend most of my time straining to be a nice guy so people would like me.

Acting, I found, was the biggest charge I ever had. What other artist has it so good? Approval so quick?

A film director has to get a shot, no matter what he does. We're desperate people.

I don't remember anything anybody said in any Jack Ford picture. Nothing happens except action.

I hate the Communists and have for many years and don't feel right about giving up my career to defend them. I will give up my film career if it is in the interests of defending something I believe in, but not this.

Take it from a director: if you get an actor that Sandy Meisner has trained, you've been blessed.