You have to be self-reliant and strong to survive in this town. Otherwise you will be destroyed.

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".

My tears speak for me.

Well, we can skip childhood because I didn't have any. Not one goddam moment on the Good Ship Lollipop.

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.

I had always known what I wanted, and that was beauty... in every form... a beautiful house, beautiful man, a beautiful life and image. I was ambitious to get the money which would attain all that for me.

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