The major star bought the rights to the book in the 'Seventies and hoped to change his image by playing the sad, haunted father of Ray Bradbury's famous novel.

In 1955, Ray Bradbury developed a screen treatment of his short story "The Black Ferris" specifically for his friend Kelly, the great singer and dancer. Kelly failed to raise the production money to make the film. Bradbury developed it instead as a novel, which he dedicated to Kelly.

Author Ray Bradbury had the great Lee in mind as a top choice to play Mr. Dark.

Author Ray Bradbury had O'Toole at the top of his wish list to play "Mr. Dark."

The director was briefly attached to a planned big screen adaptation of Ray Bradbury's classic novel.

Author Ray Bradbury in the 'Sixties suggested to producers Robert Chartoff and Irwin Winkler that Robards would be a wonderful Mr. Dark. The producers were not interested. When the film was made in the 'Eighties, the great Robards played the role of Charles Holloway.

The director considered making the film version of Ray Bradbury's beloved novel. In the end, he opted to instead direct "Raiders of the Lost Ark."