Show me a man or woman who cannot stand mysteries and I will show you a fool, a clever fool - perhaps - but a fool just the same.

Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject; bad critical writing by the necessity of maintaining the professional standing of the critic.

The most durable thing in writing is style, and style is the single most valuable investment a writer can make with his time.

Mostly I just kill time," he said, "and it dies hard.

The girl gave him a look which ought to have stuck at least four inches out of his back.

Hollywood is wonderful. Anyone who doesn't like it is either crazy or sober.

I like bars just after they open in the evening. When the air inside is still cool and clean and everything is shiny. The first quiet drink of the evening in a quiet bar -- that's wonderful.