As a master of horror, William Castle frequently found himself working with some of the most talented stars of the age. Actors like Vincent Price flocked to Castle for his directing prowess. Castle had a steady head and a passion for film that was admirable.

But unlike other directors, Castle seemed to have little interest in working with up-and-coming Hollywood stars. Castle was a fan of old Hollywood, instead choosing to cast older actors who had previously starred in bigger-budget films.

"Once a star, always a star," said Castle during an interview with The Buffalo News. "Who needs the young, new faces? The youngsters just haven't got the following that the big stars of the past have amassed."

Castle understood that age didn't matter; when he cast Joan Crawford in his 1964 film, Strait-Jacket, he was proud.

Crawford had previously made a name for herself in the 1930s, and continued to act as she grew older; a rarity in Hollywood these days. However, Castle didn't see an actor's age as a hindrance to talent.

"Talent is constant," said Castle. "It never diminishes. And audiences aren't as fickle as people think. Look at the amazing new careers Crawford and Bette Davis are carving out."

Of course, Castle also understood that success was a fickle thing; if these older Hollywood actors wanted to stay successful, they'd also have to keep relevant. "There is plenty of room for these stars if they are willing to lose their old images and try something new," said the director.