Francis left the project shortly before filming began and was replaced by Stanwyck.
Francis, though retired since 1950, was considered for the Estelle Anderson role.
Warner Brothers bought the rights to Myron Brinig's novel with Francis in mind for the lead. By the time they were ready to shoot the movie, Bette Davis had eclipsed Francis as the studio's top female star.
The Grand Duchess Tatiana in Jacques Deval's play was another role that Francis lost because of her decline at the box office.
Did you know that Kay Francis was not the only choice for these movies?
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