I don't believe in villains or heroes, only in right or wrong ways that individuals are taken, not by choice, but by necessity or by certain still uncomprehended influences in themselves, their circumstances and their antecedents.

I cannot write any sort of story unless there is at least one character in it for whom I have physical desire.

A drinking man's someone who wants to forget he isn't still young an' believing.

Sorrow makes for sincerity, I think.

Some things are not forgiveable. Deliberate cruelty is not forgiveable. It is the most unforgiveable thing in my opinion, and the one thing in which I have never, ever been guilty.

Oh, I haven't reached any peak. I hit the bottom in the '60s. When a certain actress undertook the leading role in a recent play of mine, she referred to me as "that old derelict." Not to my face, but behind my back.

Oh you weak, beautiful people who give up with such grace. What you need is someone to take hold of you