Gardner turned down the part that Doris Day eventually played. George Cukor also turned down the directing job.

The actor was often mentioned as the likely co-star with Winona Ryder in a remake of the 1955 musical biography of torch singer Ruth Etting's relationship with a gangster.

Singer Ruth Etting wanted Powell to portray her on film since Powell was "dainty," like the real Etting herself.

Jane Russell turned down the dramatic role of '20s torch singer Ruth Etting because she wanted instead to land the lead role in another biomovie, "I'll Cry Tomorrow," based on the life of Lillian Roth. She lost on both big movies.

In the '90s, the actress was often talked about for a remake of the popular and influential 1955 musical biography of '20s singer Ruth Etting.