85 Quotes by Van Heflin

Take these actors who adhere to a rigid schedule. They will say they are going to do two pictures a year or three or one. Now any actor who does that is in business, not in art.

When I was a very young actor, I made a wise move. I invested in the stock market.

Being under contract gives you financial and emotional security. But you lose the sense of accomplishment that goes hand in hand with being a free agent.

Every film is a comeback, no matter what I did the last time.

I think television will do the same thing to radio that talkies did to silent movies.

If I pull in a fish I have no intention of eating, I release him immediately or give it away. If he's swallowed the hook and you know the fish is going to die, rather than leave him to the sharks you should bring him in for the vitamin content. Aquariums welcome fish for feeding the dolphins and whales.

If you don't have that indefinable unique personality, you must learn as much as possible about acting in a variety of roles. That's why, at the outset of my career, I decided to learn every facet of my profession.

Sure, I could retire anytime. I don't need to work for money. But retire to what? Sitting around the pool reading? Or even trout fishing. I love trout fishing, and I go every time I get a chance. But a man with pride in his profession need to work.

I don't want to be painted any one color and that can happen to you in Hollywood if you make a hit in a particular role.