Ruth Chatterton originally slated to play Clarissa Phelps.
In his classic autobiography 'The Moon's A Balloon', David Niven recalls how nervous he was when he made this movie and his first take was filled with error -- so he was amazed when the cast and extras applauded him. The director told Niven he was perfect and then asked him to do it again "for safety" and Niven --now absent of nerves -- did the scene without a hitch. Later he learned the director had secretly told the cast and crew that Niven was new, probably nervous, and to applaud for him no matter how poorly he did. Only on the second take did he have film in the camera and recorded the scene. For that kindness, Niven put Santell in his 'Hall of Fame'.