There was no place at all for me in my father's military world.

Nobody gets something for nothing.

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

In two months Joseph Kennedy had taken over my entire life, and I trusted him implicitly to make the most of it.

I feel sure that unborn babies pick their parents.

Writing the story of your own life is a bit like drilling your own teeth.

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.