Oscar Levant Quotes

On Ira Gershwin:
I remember when he was given the manuscript of a novel written by a woman friend who had hopes of having it published. To his astonishment it turned out to be the dirtiest, most pornographic book he had ever read. When the lady mentioned that she intended to use a nom de plume, Ira suggested she call herself Henrietta Miller.

Once he makes up his mind, he's full of indecision.

Happiness isn't something you experience; it's something you remember.

Incompatibility. And besides, I think she hated me.

My last picture for Warners was Romance on the High Seas. It was Doris Day's first picture; that was before she became a virgin.

He writes the kind of music you whistle on the way into the theater.

I don't drink liquor. I don't like it. It makes me feel good.

The only difference between the Democrats and the Republicans is that the Democrats allow the poor to be corrupt, too.

When I was in my prime, I was an egomaniac and didn’t allow my wife to buy the best sardines–the King Oscars–which bear my name. I felt there should be only one king in my house.

It's not what you are, it's what you don't become that hurts.

In the middle and late 50′s I was in hospitals constantly. I was committed every time I drew a breath or took an extra twelve pills–which never affected me much because I’m not suicidal.

I would like to have been present, if I could have my choice of all moments in music history, when Stokowski suddenly became conscious of his beautiful hands. That must have been a moment. Like stout Cortez [sic] on a peak in Darien (I know it was Balboa) he saw before him a limitless expanse, a whole uncharted sea that might be subjected to his influence, free from the encumbrance of a baton.

Instant unconsciousness had been my greatest passion for ten years.

I heartily approve of her campaign to beautify America. It would be greatly improved if the First Family were kept out of sight.

It certainly will be if you are still around.