In 1949, Colbert was asked to play the lead role in All About Eve, because the producer felt that she best represented the style he envisioned for the part. However, Colbert severely injured her back, forcing her to abandon the picture shortly before filming began. Bette Davis was cast, instead. In later life, Colbert said, "I just never had the luck to play bitches." thumb|Patric Knowles and Colbert in Three Came Home, 1950 In the early 1950s, Colbert traveled to Europe for tax purposes and joined fewer films. The Planter's Wife (1952) was a success in British market. She played a small role in Royal Affairs in Versailles (1954), her only film with a French director (Sacha Guitry). Colbert had found the directorial method disappointing, which was on the heavy-handed and ponderous.Quirk, p. 36. It was screened in the United States in 1957.
In 1949 Colbert was asked to play the lead role in All About Eve because the producer felt that she best represented the style he envisioned for the part However Colbert severely injured her back forcing her to abandon the picture shortly before filming began Bette Davis was cast instead In later life Colbert said "I just never had the luck to play bitches" thumb|Patric Knowles and Colbert in Three Came Home 1950 In the early 1950s Colbert traveled to Europe for tax purposes and joined fewer films The Planter's Wife (1952) was a success in British market She played a small role in Royal Affairs in Versailles (1954) her only film with a French director (Sacha Guitry) Colbert had found the directorial method disappointing which was on the heavy-handed and ponderousQuirk p 36 It was screened in the United States in 1957