The Sand Pebbles has always been one of my favorite films, I suppose because its the most difficult film - from a physical and logistical standpoint - that I've ever made.

The Sand Pebbles has always been one of my favorite films, I suppose because its the most difficult film - from a physical and logistical standpoint - that I've ever made.

He was a little of both. I didn't know much in those days, because it was only my third film. I was learning on my feet and he taught me a great deal. He was very open to actors' suggestions and he used whatever spontaneous thoughts or suggestions we might have, if they suited his purpose. He was a firm, but gentle leader.

It's always been a lie that it's difficult to make films.

You look back on films sometimes and if they have not been as all-out successful as you anticipated you try to find reasons why maybe it didn't come off for audiences as well as you would have liked.

From a physical standpoint,