When you have spent an important part of your life playing Let's Pretend, it's often easy to see symbolism where none exists.

I knew I could not cope with the future unless I was able to rediscover the past.

I had been offered a Hollywood contract before my 18th birthday. It gave me the spark I needed.

When my mood was high, I seemed normal, even buoyant. I felt smarter. I had secrets. I could see God in a light bulb

I was plunged into what was known as the debutante social whirl. This was one of the ways fathers justified their own hard work and sacrifices.

The main cause of my difficulties stemmed from the tragedy of my daughter's unsound birth and my inability to face my feelings.

Fonda and Gary Cooper had the best sense of timing of all the actors I knew.