Ernst Lubitsch Quotes & Sayings

I sometimes make pictures which are not up to my standard, but then it can only be said of a mediocrity that all his work is up to his standard. — Ernst Lubitsch

You could name the great stars of the silent screen who were finished; the great directors gone; the great title writers who were washed up. But remember this, as long as you live: the producers didn't lose a man. They all made the switch. That's where the great talent is. — Ernst Lubitsch

Nobody should try to play comedy unless they have a circus going on inside. — Ernst Lubitsch

In Hollywood we acquire the finest novels in order to smell the leather bindings. — Ernst Lubitsch

It is the task of the scenarist to invent little pieces of business that are so characteristic and give so deep an insight into his creatures, that their personalities clearly and organically unfold before the eyes of the audience so that the latter feel that the actions of these people are contingent upon their characters, that there exists some kind of a logical fate, and that nothing is left to mere accident or coincidence. — Ernst Lubitsch

I let the audience use their imaginations. Can I help it if they misconstrue my suggestions? — Ernst Lubitsch

The job of the director is to suggest two plus two. Let the viewer say four. — Ernst Lubitsch

There are a thousand ways to point a camera, but really only one. — Ernst Lubitsch

I've been to Paris France and I've been to Paris Paramount. Paris Paramount is better. — Ernst Lubitsch