Quotes

Others

Madame is the greatest star of them all.

Dialogue

Joe Gillis: You're Norma Desmond. You used to be in silent pictures. You used to be big. Norma Desmond: I am big. It's the pictures that got small.

Dialogue

Betty Schaefer: Don't you sometimes hate yourself? Joe Gillis: Constantly.

Dialogue

Joe Gillis: I didn't know you were planning a comeback. Norma Desmond: I hate that word. It's a return, a return to the millions of people who have never forgiven me for deserting the screen.

Dialogue

Joe Gillis: May I say that you smell really special? Betty Schaefer: It must be my new shampoo. Joe Gillis: That's no shampoo. It's more like freshly-laundered linen handkerchiefs, like a brand new automobile.

Dialogue

Joe Gillis: I've got some ideas myself. One of them being this is New Year's Eve. How about living it up a little? Betty Schaefer: As for instance? Joe Gillis: Well.... Betty Schaefer: We could make some paper boats and have a regatta. Or we could turn on the shower full blast. Joe Gillis: How about capturing the kitchen and barricading the door? Betty Schaefer: Are you hungry? Joe Gillis: Hungry? After twelve years in the Burmese jungle. I am starving, Lady Agatha -- starving for a white shoulder -- Betty Schaefer: Phillip, you're mad! Girl: You can have the phone now. Joe Gillis: [Paying no attention] Thirsting for the coolness of your lips - Betty Schaefer: No, Phillip, no. We must be strong. You're still wearing the uniform of the Coldstream Guards! Furthermore, you can have the phone now. Joe Gillis: O.K. [He gets up, starts out, turns] Suddenly I find myself terribly afraid of losing you. Betty Schaefer: You won't. [She takes the glass out of his hand] I'll get us a refill of thi

Dialogue

First assistant director: I can tell her you're all tied up in the projection room. I can give her the brush. Cecil B. DeMille: Thirty million fans have given her the brush. Isn't that enough?

Dialogue

Well, this is where you came in. Back at that pool again, the one I always wanted. It's dawn now, and they must have photographed me a thousand times. Then they got a couple of pruning hooks from the garden and fished me out, ever so gently. Funny how gentle people get with you once you're dead. They beached me like a harpooned baby whale and started to check the damage, just for the record. By this time, the whole joint was jumping - cops, reporters, neighbors, passersby, as much hoopdedoo as we get in Los Angeles when they open a supermarket. Even the newsreel guys came roaring in. Here was an item everybody could have some fun with, the heartless so-and-sos! What would they do to Norma? Even if she got away with it in court - crime of passion, temporary insanity - those headlines would kill her: 'Forgotten Star a Slayer,' 'Aging Actress,' 'Yesterday's Glamour Queen'...

Dialogue

Max: Are you ready, Norma? Norma: What is the scene? Where am I? Max: This is the staircase of the palace. Norma: [readying herself] Oh yes, yes. Down below, they're waiting for the princess. I'm ready. Max: [shouting] All right. Cameras! Action!