 Using an actress to play "the lady" was controversial enough, and  further controversy fulminated when Young, Loretta (qv) was passed  over in favour of sultry Darnell, Linda (qv). At that time,  Darnell had an almost pornographic reputation. Werfel, Franz (qv),  the author of the book on which the film was based, threatened to  remove his name from the project. To make matters worse, Darnell was  pregnant. Nothing would change Zanuck, Darryl F. (qv)s mind, and  Werfel was told that an unknown actress was chosen. Wearing a little  more drapery than the simple dress and veil described by the  historical Bernadette, Darnell played the role in bright light.