Top choice for the role of the prim missionary "Rose Sayer" when the film was to first to be made in 1938. When the project didn't come together until 1949, Davis was again offered the role but couldn't accept due to pregnancy.

Kerr had hoped to play the role of Rose Sawyer, but MGM knew another studio had the property and did not encourage her to be cast.

When this long-delayed project re-materialized in 1949, after coming apart in 1938, the velvet-voiced superb actor Mason was the choice to play "Charlie Allnut."

The debonair Niven would have played "Charlie Allnut" had the movie been made in 1938, as originally planned.