MovieChat Forums > Bell Book and Candle (1958) Discussion > They nearly cast Laurence Olivier + Vivi...

They nearly cast Laurence Olivier + Vivian Leigh

posted 12 years ago by pt100
3 replies | jump to latest

I'm glad they didn't, but it almost happened.

[–] Quicksilver1900 10 years ago

Vivien Leigh would have been great, although I love Kim Novak's performance.

What I don't love is Jimmy Stewart. Not only is he old, he is boring, dull, heavy and domineering. Almost anyone else would have been more plausible.

Some suggestions:

James Mason would have been my top choice
Leslie Howard
Dirk Bogarde
Rex Harrison

and yes, Laurence Olivier.

[–] vicky_lc2001-1 9 years ago

I love Jimmy Stewart. I found him very handsome all through to the 50s and I like his quirky boyish charm.

[–] bluersun 9 years ago

Massively agreed! This is in my top 5 and I can't see anyone else in any of the roles - especially Stewart and Novak.