 James Mason (I) (qv) was the first choice of director  Stanley Kubrick (qv) and producer James B. Harris (qv) for the  role of Humbert Humbert, but he initially declined due to a Broadway  engagement. Laurence Olivier (qv) then refused the part,  apparently on the advice of his agents. Kubrick considered  Peter Ustinov (qv), but decided against him. Harris then suggested  David Niven (I) (qv); Niven accepted the part, but then withdrew  for fear the sponsors of his TV show,  _"Four Star Playhouse" (1952)_ (qv), would object. Mason then  withdrew from his play and got the part. Harris denies claims that  Noel Coward (qv) also rejected the role.