“When an actor comes to me and wants to discuss his character, I say, ‘It’s in the script.’ If he says, ‘But what’s my motivation?, ‘ I say, ‘Your salary.’”

Mystery is an intellectual process. But suspense is essentially an emotional process.

Television has done much for psychiatry by spreading information about it, as well as contributing to the need for it.

It seems to me that television is exactly like a gun. Your enjoyment of it is determined by which end of it you’re on.

Actually, I have no regard for money. Aside from its purchasing power, it’s completely useless as far as I’m concerned.

To me Psycho was a big comedy. Had to be.

Blondes make the best victims. They’re like virgin snow that shows up the bloody footprints.

I’m not much into rear window ethics.

Man does not live by murder alone. He needs affection, approval, encouragement and, occasionally, a hearty meal.

Revenge is sweet and not fattening.

People don’t always express their inner thoughts to one another; a conversation may be quite trivial, but often the eyes will reveal what a person really thinks or feels.

I would almost say that the best screen actor is the man who can do nothing extremely well.

I’m a writer and, therefore, automatically a suspicious character.

Drama is real life with all the boring parts cut out.

Disney has the best casting. If he doesn’t like an actor he just tears him up.

Television has brought back murder into the home – where it belongs.

The ideal husband understands every word his wife doesn’t say.

I think in many ways Johnny English is a more believable character.

The true character of a society is revealed in how it treats its children.

I would return to the Blackadder character if the opportunity came up. I have no qualms about that at all.

A person’s worth is measured by the worth of what he values.

If any man despises me, that is his problem. My only concern is not doing or saying anything deserving of contempt.

The philosopher whose dealings are with divine order himself acquires the characteristics of order and divinity.

To the distinguished character of patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.

I am made and remade continually. Different people draw different words from me.