Fame was thrilling only until it became grueling. Money was fun only until you ran out of things to buy.

Sam Wood, the director, made most of his money as a real estate agent; there was nothing of the temperamental artist about him.

I didn't want to spend the rest of my life playing Norma Desmond over and over again.

The major gossip columnists were more concerned with protecting the industry than with gunning down sinners.

So they were turning, after all - those cameras. Life, which can be strangely merciful, had taken pity on Norma Desmond. The dream she had clung to so desperately had enfolded her. Norma: You see, this is my life. It always will be! (In a whisper) There's nothing else - just us - and the cameras - and those wonderful people out there in the dark. All right, Mr. De Mille, I'm ready for my close-up.

Sunset Boulevard opened in August 1950, and it was pronounced the best movie ever made about Hollywood.

I had starred in more than 30 successful films, six in a row directed by Cecil B. De Mille.