Quotes

[When asked by co-presenter Ray Bolger at the 1979 Oscar awards why he got to announce the winner] Well, when your son produces the show, YOU can announce the winner!

A smart performer knows when to get off. It wasn't a wrench leaving movies. I don't believe there's no business like show business.

[on a The Wizard of Oz (1939) glitch, involving a 'Tin Man' who should appear rusty] For three days I worked in a shiny suit of tin, with a sparkling tin nose, a bright tin strap around my head, a glistening tin pot on my head, and a coat of brilliant tin paint on my face. I glittered no end - for three days!

[on Judy Garland] She was full of laughter. And pep. She didn't need pills, but the poor sucker got hooked on them. Not while she was on Oz. The pills started when she turned out pictures faster than Metro could make money on them.

[on The Wizard of Oz (1939)] It was awful. You couldn't have fun... I had to drag myself to work.