Jack Lemmon was considered to play the lead role but they later decided he was too old.

Jack Lemmon turned down a role in this film to do "The Odd Couple."

Jack Lemmon turned down the role of Eddie Felson.

Director Jules Dassin wanted Lemmon to star as the nebbishy American scholar opposite Melina Mercouri, but the budget would not permit it, so Dassin himself played the role; the film turned out to be a box-office smash.

Jack Lemmon was considered for the part of Carl Fox. Director Oliver Stone gave Charlie Sheen a choice: Lemmon or Martin Sheen. Charlie chose his father, Martin.

Jack Lemmon was considered for the lead role of George.