...he was simply the raw material of his own art; that is, the man whose personality left its imprint, unmistakably, on what had come to be known as the Huston picture.
-- Narrator/Lillian Ross ("Throw the Little Old Lady Down the Stairs!")

Importance: Ross says this of John Huston's work at the start of Picture. As her journalistic exploration evolves, she finds increasing evidence to support this early description of Huston's reputation for unconventionality. The passage also acts as a sort of foreshadowing to Huston's coming downfall in his work on The Red Badge of Courage. While his personality drives the picture's creation, his attachment to his initial vision ultimately conflicts with the studio's economic interests.

I am a man who likes to see people happy...
-- Gottfried Reinhardt ("Throw the Little Old Lady Down the Stairs!")

Importance: Reinhardt says this to Huston at the start of Picture regarding his dealings with Hollywood personalities in general. The line, however, explains much of Reinhardt's behavior throughout The Red Badge production. Reinhardt finds himself perpetually caught...