I have been called a nun with a switchblade where my privacy is concerned. I think there's a point where one says, that's for family, that's for me.

My mother and stepfather were in Vaudeville. And my stepfather was an alcoholic. It was a lot of roller coaster times. But it's all I knew. I think they did the best they could under the circumstances, with me and all the family.

I think every young girl at some point in her early life wonders what it's like to be a princess. They like the idea of dressing up and the fun of it.

Whenever I think of my birthplace, Walton-on-Thames, my reference first and foremost is the river. I love the smell of the river; love its history, its gentleness. I was aware of its presence from my earliest years. Its majesty centered me, calmed me, was a solace to a certain extent.

On the whole, I think women wear too much and are to fussy. You can't see the person for all the clutter.

I turned down 'The Prime of Miss Jean Brody' with Maggie Smith. I think she got the Academy Award.