Beatty was originally pursued for the leading role by director Joshua Logan, who left the project.

Jane Fonda was tested for the leading female by director Joshua Logan, who left the project.

The film's original director Joshua Logan wanted Gable to play the father of the hero of the title, for whom Logan considered Warren Beatty.

Joshua Logan, the film's original director, wanted either Leigh and Clark Gable, the stars of "Gone With the Wind," or Gable and Colbert, the stars of "It Happened One Night," to reunite to play the parents of the title hero.

Was replaced on the project originally intended a big budget production.