Lucille Ball was considered for the part of Lorraine Sheldon that was ultimately played by Warner's own, Ann Sheridan.

Barrymore was wanted by Bette Davis to play Sheridan Whiteside, but his poor health made Warner Bros choose Monty Woolley who had played the role on Broadway.

Cary Grant was considered to play the acerbic critic Sheridan Whiteside who wreaks havoc in a midwestern home, when Howard Hawks was attached to direct.