 Gene Kelly (I) (qv) was originally scheduled to play Don, but he  unexpectedly broke his ankle when he stamped his foot in anger after  losing a volleyball game. It was at his suggestion that he be  replaced by Fred Astaire (qv). Cyd Charisse (qv) was up for the  role of Nadine, but a torn ligament in either one or both of her  knees forced her to drop out. She was replaced by  Ann Miller (I) (qv). Although she had been a star for years,  Judy Garland (I) (qv) had never met Fred Astaire (qv) before,  and was afraid to speak to him until they were properly introduced.