 Simone Signoret (qv) was the original choice for Madame Hortense.  After filming began, director Michael Cacoyannis realized that she  wasnt what he wanted for the part and asked permission from  Darryl F. Zanuck (qv) to replace her. He agreed and he proposed  Bette Davis (qv). Michael Cacoyannis though had  Lila Kedrova (qv) in mind. Darryl F. Zanuck (qv) had no idea who  Lila Kedrova (qv) was, or how she even looked, but he trusted  Michael Cacoyannis very much, so he agreed.