 Before Katharine Ross (I) (qv) was cast on the leading role of  Joanna Eberhart, Tuesday Weld (qv) had originally been set to play  the part, but passed on the role. Other actresses considered include  Susan Sarandon (qv), Vanessa Redgrave (qv),  Julie Christie (I) (qv), Jane Fonda (qv), Jill Clayburgh (qv),  Barbara Harris (I) (qv), Natalie Wood (I) (qv),  Karen Black (I) (qv), Janet Margolin (qv), Blythe Danner (qv),  Geneviève Bujold (qv), Stockard Channing (qv), Jennifer  ONeill (I) (qv), Jacqueline Bisset (qv),  Joanna Miles (I) (qv), Elizabeth Montgomery (I) (qv) and  Diane Keaton (qv), who very nearly got the role.