Columbia Studios wanted to borrow the great Warner Bros star to play rascally "Dave the Dude" in director Frank Capra's movie based on a Damon Runyon tale.

Director Frank Capra wanted to borrow the sublime and earthy Dressler from MGM to play "Apple Annie" in his movie version of a Damon Runyon tale, but a deal could not be worked out.

The dashing, debonair MGM star was wanted by director Frank Capra to play "Dave the Dude," but a loanout could not be arranged.