Production Contemporary sources report that Errol Flynn was originally cast as Felix, but dropped out because of illness. According to TCM, Flynn was actually unhappy with the size of the part. Modern sources indicate that Michael Curtiz wanted Burgess Meredith to play Mickey, but he was unavailable. Garfield modeled his performance on troubled pianist Oscar Levant. Garfield's characterization of Mickey in this, his first major film role, defined his screen personality for many future roles.
production contemporary sources report that errol flynn was originally cast as felix but dropped out because of illness according to tcm flynn was actually unhappy with the size of the part modern sources indicate that michael curtiz wanted burgess meredith to play mickey but he was unavailable garfield modeled his performance on troubled pianist oscar levant garfield's characterization of mickey in this his first major film role defined his screen personality for many future roles