The handsome, dashing Donat was scheduled to star as the romantic swashbuckler one of the truly great pirate films but withdrew before filming began.

MGM's first choice for the leading dual roles was the handsome, top ranking star Donat.

Considered and screentested for the role of the monk.

Alfred Hitchcock wanted to cast Donat for the second time as "Richard Hannay" in a movie version of the John Buchan spy adventure thriller and make it a sequel to his influential classic hit, "the 39 Steps."

The handsome star was director David Lean's first choice to play master boot-maker Willie.

Over the years, one of the film stars considered ideal to play the heroic, complex title character.

Alfred Hitchcock wanted him to play the handsome, troubled "Maxim de Winter," but he declined reportedly for health reasons.

A prolonged illness prevented matinee idol and major star Donat from starring for legendary director Alfred Hitchcock as a police detective who unmasks a London terrorist.

Director Alfred Hitchcock wanted to work again with his handsome star of "the 39 Steps' but Donat had other commitments.