over to a real marriage. She is encouraged and supported by Maude, who still regrets leaving her childhood love behind to attempt an acting career in Hollywood. Susan refuses to sign the annulment papers, while Mark still refuses to consummate the marriage. When Susan is seen eating strawberries and pickles, Mark's friend assumes that she is pregnant and tells Mark. Mark thinks Virgil is responsible, so he hits Virgil in the face. Susan eventually explains to Mark that she ate strawberries and pickles because she just likes it. Mark has his own explanation: he is in love with Susan but is worried about their age difference. Susan tells him all the reasons that they should stay married. Mark keeps talking about their age difference as Susan leads him to the bedroom. Cast Production Original play The film is based on the play Susan by Alex Gottlieb and Steve Fisher, which was originally titled A Present for Joe. In July 1951, it was presented in Los Angeles at the Circle Theatre, with Robert Rockwell, Beverly Long and Mabel Albertson who directed it. The Los Angeles Times said the play "should prove the source of amusement for those who know the film town" but "the show doesn't have enough substance to provide an acceptable general entertainment." Development Gottlieb wrote a script version and decided to produce. In July 1952 signed a contract with MGM to borrow 20-years-old Debbie Reynolds to play the lead. In July David Wayne and Dan Dailey joined the cast, with Dailey borrowed from 20th Century Fox to play the male lead. Frank Tashlin agreed to direct and Mickey Rooney replaced David Wayne. In October 1953 Gottlieb sold the entire package to RKO. Then Rooney and Dailey dropped out due to the fact the film would be shot later. Harriet Parsons was assigned to produce and Robert Mitchum was announced as star. Mitchum, however, refused the role and was penalised $40,000 by RKO for doing so. Dick Powell, 50 years old at the time, who had been focusing on directing and had just left directing the play The Caine Mutiny Court Martial, agreed to play the lead. Alvy Moore, who had understudied David Wayne on stage in Mister Roberts, was signed to play the role originally intended for Wayne and then Mickey Rooney. Anne Francis was borrowed from 20th Century Fox just before being dropped by that studio. She