 MGM had actually begun filming "The Yearling" in 1941 with  Spencer Tracy (qv), Anne Revere (qv), and Atlanta native Gene  Eckman (who never appeared in another film) in the starring roles,  Roddy McDowall (qv) as Fodderwing, and Victor Fleming (qv)  directing, but the production ran into innumerable problems,  including Eckman growing too quickly during filming, his thick local  accent (which conflicted with Tracys vocal quality), swarms of  mosquitoes, and conflicts between Fleming and producer  Sidney Franklin (I) (qv). After King Vidor (qv) agreed to take  over directing but then dropped out, the project was cancelled 