Bette Davis wanted the role of Maxine Faulk which she played in the stage version.

Katharine Hepburn turned down the role of artist Hanna Jelkes.

When Winters took the role of Maxine Faulk in the Broadway version (replacing Bette Davis), a clause in her contract stated that she would do the part on screen. According to Winters' autobiography, producer Ray Stark forgot about this clause and cast Ava Gardner.