Ernest Lehman Quotes

Powerful Ernest Lehman for Daily Growth

About Ernest Lehman

Ernest Lehman (1915-2007) was an acclaimed American screenwriter, playwright, and producer, renowned for his compelling storytelling and impactful contributions to the world of cinema. Born on September 20, 1915, in New York City, Lehman's passion for writing blossomed early in life. He graduated from Columbia University in 1937 with a Bachelor's degree in English and Philosophy. Lehman's career began in earnest on Broadway, where he penned several successful plays, including "The Searching Wind" (1944) and "Invitation to the Castle" (1948). However, it was his transition to Hollywood that catapulted him into the ranks of legendary screenwriters. In 1952, Lehman's screenplay for "Desire Under the Elms," based on Eugene O'Neill's play, earned him an Academy Award nomination. The following year, he won the Oscar for Best Screenplay for "The King and I." His collaboration with Alfred Hitchcock on "North by Northwest" (1959) is considered one of the greatest screenplays in film history. Lehman's work on "West Side Story" (1961), another adaptation of a successful Broadway musical, earned him his second Academy Award for Best Screenplay. His subsequent works, including "Sweet Smell of Success," "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?", and "The Sound of Music," cemented his reputation as a master storyteller. Throughout his career, Lehman was influenced by a diverse range of authors, from William Faulkner to Tennessee Williams. His works, in turn, have inspired generations of writers and filmmakers. Ernest Lehman passed away on February 14, 2007, leaving behind a rich legacy of compelling narratives that continue to resonate in the annals of cinematic history.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"All you have to do is write one true sentence."

The quote by Ernest Lehman suggests that crafting a single, honest statement can serve as the foundation for creating compelling and authentic narratives. This one truth serves as the cornerstone for building stories that resonate with audiences, providing them with an emotional connection to the narrative being presented. It is a reminder that in storytelling, honesty and authenticity are key to captivating readers or viewers.


"It's a very simple formula: If it doesn't move the audience, don't move the camera."

Ernest Lehman's quote emphasizes that the primary purpose of camera movement in filmmaking is to serve the story and evoke an emotional response from the audience. If a camera movement does not achieve this goal, it should be avoided. In other words, the use of camera movement should always prioritize the emotional impact on the viewer over visual spectacle or technique for its own sake.


"The secret of life is that it goes on."

This quote by Ernest Lehman conveys a profound understanding of life's continuous nature. It suggests that despite challenges, hardships, or difficult moments, life will always persist. It encourages resilience, reminding us to keep moving forward even when faced with adversity. It also emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope and optimism, as life's progression can bring new opportunities, growth, and change.


"There are only two or three human stories, and they go on repeating themselves as fiercely as if they had never happened before."

This quote suggests that despite the vast diversity in human experiences and lives, there exist a limited number of fundamental narratives or themes that repeatedly manifest throughout history. These essential stories serve as archetypes, providing a universal language for understanding and interpreting our shared human condition. By recognizing these recurring narratives, we can gain insight into both our past and present, fostering empathy, connection, and growth among individuals and societies.


"A plot is usually a wonderfully elegant solution for something that was never really a problem in the first place."

This quote by Ernest Lehman suggests that sometimes, a story's plot - the sequence of events, conflicts, and resolutions - may seem necessary or essential, but it originated as an answer to a challenge or dilemma that was not inherently problematic within the context of the story. In other words, the plot serves to create drama, suspense, or conflict where it might not naturally exist, elevating the narrative and making it more engaging for the audience.


After all, the wool of a black sheep is just as warm.

- Ernest Lehman

Black, Warm, Wool, Sheep

There's nothing more irresistible to a man than a woman who's in love with him.

- Ernest Lehman

Love, Woman, More, Irresistible

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