Angered by director Josef Von Sternberg's demand for multiple takes, McCrea stormed off the set and didn't return.

The hunky, versatile leading man was originally cast in the supernatural romantic comedy, but refused to work again with Veronica Lake, his costar in "Sullivan's Travels"

Originally offered the role of the heroic, seagoing tough guy who falls and fights for Ann Darrow.

RKO was unable to secure the handsome actor for the role of Leo Vincey in their fantasy adventure spectacle from the H. Rider Haggard novel.