There was a saying around MGM: "Norma Shearer got the productions, Greta Garbo supplied the art, and Joan Crawford made the money to pay for both".

I never go outside unless I look like Joan Crawford the movie star. If you want to see the girl next door, go next door.

I need sex for a clear complexion, but I'd rather do it for love.

Sensitive husbands don't like second billing. I don't believe Franchot ever for a moment resented the fact that I was a star. Possibly he resented Hollywood's refusal to let him forget it. There was never a doubt in my mind that his talent was greater than mine.

If I can't be me, I don't want to be anybody. I was born that way.

Care for your clothes, like the good friends they are

I used to wash my hands every ten minutes. I couldn't step out of the house unless I had gloves on. I wouldn't smoke a cigarette unless I opened the pack myself, and I would never use another cigarette out of that pack if someone else had touched it.