Was the first choice to direct the film version of the hit Broadway play.

In the early 1980s, 20th Century Fox was working in a remake of the 1955 classic comedy with Marilyn Monroe. Al Pacino and Melanie Griffith were going to play the roles played by Tom Ewell and Marilyn Monroe respectively. However, the project was shelved.

For director Billy Wilder's film version of the Broadway smash, Matthau tested for the role of the middleaged husband tempted to stray with his sexy, beautiful neighbor.

James Stewart was considered for the role of the middleaged husband tempted by his sexy, beautiful neighbor in the Billy Wilder-directed film version of the stage hit.