Bankhead was put on standby to take the lead role after Marlene Dietrich threatened to quit over a dispute with Paramount.

Bankhead was considered to play Scarlette but the producers were reluctant to hire her.

Alfred Hitchcock first had his "Lifeboat" star in mind to play a larger-than-life stage performer in his murder thriller set in London.

The flamboyant stage and screen star was strongly considered to appear opposite Bette Davis in the low-budget thriller that went on to create a box-office sensation and start a moviemaking trend.

Was offered the role when Simone Signoret withdrew and after Barbara Stanwyck passed, but was unable to be ready in time for the production.