Cook was considered to repeat her Tony winning role of Marion the Librarian, but Jones was considered a movie star and Cook had not made any movies. Cook was hurt by this for many years.

The young actor, who became famous on TV's "Dennis the Menace" was in hot contention for the role of Winthrop.

Sinatra was the studio's top choice to play "Harold Hill" in the movie version of the Broadway smash hit.