A prospective casting sheet for the production allows us to play a game of “what if?” with the names of actors and actresses who were considered for the various roles in the film.

    The casting sheet was drawn up before certain characters were later eliminated. Eve Arden, first choice for the role of Mildred’s confidante Lucy, instead got the part of Ida whose role was expanded in the final draft of the script.

    As the casting sheet shows, Wald toyed with the idea of casting Francot Tone, Joan Crawford’s ex-husband, in the role of Monte Beragon. Perhaps realizing that might make life difficult for everyone involved he never pursued that option.