 The lead was written with Fredric March (qv) or  Rex Harrison (I) (qv) in mind. Ernst Lubitsch (qv) was most  disappointed when 20th Century Fox boss Darryl F. Zanuck (qv)  insisted on casting Don Ameche (qv) for commercial reasons.  Lubitsch later recanted his opposition to Ameche, won over by the  actors dedication and professionalism.