David Skal explanis in a documentary how the part of Venus was givien to Jean Harlow but then she pulled out from the film because the studios didn't think one of there a big star should be in a horror movie.

Jean Harlow was considered to play Scarlett O'Hara.

Jean Harlow refused the lead part of Anne Darrow.

Harlow died with the film about 90% completed, and her remaining scenes were shot with body double Mary Dees and voice double Paula Winslowe. MGM considered scrapping Harlow's footage and re-casting with Jean Arthur or Virginia Bruce, but the reaction at a preview and fan mail changed their minds.

Producer Hal Roach wanted Harlow to play "Marion Kirby," the sophisticated, sexy socialite who becomes a ghost. Harlow was unavailable at the time of production.