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

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

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.’

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.

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.

Happiness is not the end of life: character is.

I’ve played many characters that have consumed me and owned me.

The way I understand it, the Russians are sort of a combination of evil and incompetence… sort of like the Post Office with tanks.

Education has for its object the formation of character.

Temperament is the thermometer of character.

A woman of generous character will sacrifice her life a thousand times over for her lover, but will break with him for ever over a question of pride.

To be honest, I don’t think I’m the best role model in the world. I’m pretty immature sometimes.

I became an actor so I can show you characters and never have to show you me.