Tested for the role of "I," and later played small roles in Hitchcock's "Suspicion" and "Lifeboat."

Alfred Hitchcock was very impressed by Baxter, but feared she might be too young to be convincing in the love scenes.

Turned down the offer by director Alfred Hitchcock and producer David O. Selznick to play Maxim de Winter.

Olivia de Havilland was one of Hitchcock's final choices but she refused the starring role when she learned that her sister Joan Fontaine was also being considered.

The beautiful, sleek brunette tested for the role of "I."

Alfred Hitchcock wanted him to play the handsome, troubled "Maxim de Winter," but he declined reportedly for health reasons.

Douglas' name was put forth as one of the potential casting choices to play "Maxim de Winter" in the film version of the romantic thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

The Oscar-nominated actress was considered as a candidate to play "I," but was unavailable due to other film commitments.

Considered for the role of "I" was the Broadway and film actress, who provided the screams in "King Kong" (1933) and who later originated the role of "Laura" in "The Glass Managerie" on Broadway.

The gentlemanly Howard was one of the star names suggested to play "Maxim de Winter."

Read for Alfred Hitchcock for the role of "I."

Director Alfred Hitchcock screen-tested Vivien Leigh for the role Joan Fontaine eventually played, but found Leigh too beautiful and sophisticated for the role.

David O. Selznick originally bought the rights to the novel for Carole Lombard.

Anita Louise was considered for the part of Mrs de Winter.

The sophisticated Broadway star (who later starred in "Kiss Me Kate" on stage) was seen for "I," but rejected because she was so beautiful and sultry, she could have played "Rebecca" who is never seen in the film.

David Niven was considered for the part of Maxim de Winter.

In her autobiography, she writes that she was the first choice to play the second "Mrs. de Winter."

Considered as a very strong contender to play the aristocratic, troubled hero of Alfred Hitchcock's film version of the popular Daphne Du Maurier bestseller.

Alfred Hitchcock resisted pressure by producer David O. Selznick to cast the young actress who had starred for the director in "The Man Who Knew Too Much" and "Young and Innocent."

Director Alfred Hitchcock was very intrigued by the possibility of attracting the suave, debonair comedian to play his dark, tortured hero with a secret.

Considered for the role of "I."

Alfred Hitchcock was impressed by Margaret Sullivan's screen test for the role of the second "Mrs. de Winter."

Tested for the role of the second Mrs. de Winter.