Status: Released in 1964 (Role portrayed by Deborah Kerr)
Character: "Miss Madrigal" (The Governess)
Character Summary: Miss Madrigal is the newly-appointed governess of a troubled girl who is in the care of her grandmother.
Joan's involvement in the production: In March 1961, it was reported that Joan was interested in starring in the film version of this Broadway play. However, the film's producer, Ross Hunter, was more interested in Joan portraying the grandmother, than the governess "Miss Madrigal."
Lana Turner was the top early contender for the role of "Miss Madrigal," however, the producers could not afford her requested salary.
In early 1963, Bette Davis was offered the grandmother role, but declined when producer Ross Hunter couldn't afford her price of $150,000. Following Davis' commercial success in "What Ever Happened To Baby Jane?" a few months prior, her price had risen considerably.