In 1928, I made the worst mistake of my career. Against my better judgment I let Joe Schenck talk me into giving up my own studio to make pictures at the booming Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer lot in Culver City . . . they were picking stories and material without consulting me and I couldn't argue 'em out of it. I'd only argue about so far and then let it go. They'd say, 'This is funny,' and I'd say, 'It stinks.' It didn't make any difference. We did it anyhow.

If they're going to like anything of mine, they'll like The General.

Schenck was supposed to be my producer but he never knew when or what I was shooting. He just turned me loose.

I said, 'how am I gonna keep from flinching?' He said, 'Look away from me. When I say turn, it'll be there.' He put my head where my feet were!

'I think the music business will eventually crush me, but I [smiles]... I'm ready.' - in Strange Parallel

Confidence is everything in this business.

I'll bet Shakespeare compromised himself a lot; anybody who's in the entertainment industry does to some extent.