A film director has to get a shot, no matter what he does. We're desperate people.
Elia Kazan

A good director's not sure when he gets on the set what he's going to do.
Elia Kazan

Acting... was the biggest charge I ever had. What other artist has it so good? Approval so quick?
Elia Kazan

Anybody who informs on other people is doing something disturbing and even disgusting.
Elia Kazan

Every fighter has one fight that makes or breaks him.
Elia Kazan

Every picture that is successful has one little miracle in it.
Elia Kazan

For years after I resigned, I was still faithful to their way of thinking. But not in the American Communists.
Elia Kazan

Hey, you must be doin' good, 'cause I never hear from you.
Elia Kazan

I didn't have that much confidence. Maybe it looks that way. I'm glad it does.
Elia Kazan

I don't remember anything anybody said in any Jack Ford picture. Nothing happens except action.
Elia Kazan


I gave my life to the Group Theatre, because in it I'm building something for myself. What I build, I am.
Elia Kazan

I hate the Communists and have for many years and don't feel right about giving up my career to defend them. I will give up my film career if it is in the interests of defending something I believe in, but not this.
Elia Kazan

I have no spy stories to tell, because I saw no spies. Nor did I understand, at that time, any opposition between American and Russian national interest.
Elia Kazan

I joined the Communist Party late in 1934. I got out a year and a half later.
Elia Kazan

I knew the exuberance of playing before an admiring audience and hearing my secret voice.
Elia Kazan

I like directors who come on the set and create something that's a little dangerous, difficult or unusual.
Elia Kazan

I may be getting old, but not foolish.
Elia Kazan

I owe Bankhead a gift; she made a director out of me.
Elia Kazan

I question the value of stars. I think they're overrated. They get too much money, too much praise.
Elia Kazan

I said to Tennessee, this thing is becoming the Marlon Brando show.
Elia Kazan