Doris Day six of her movie musicals charted in the Top 10, three of them at No. 1. After filming "Lucky Me" with Bob Cummings and "Young at Heart" (both 1954) with Frank Sinatra, Day chose not to renew her contract with Warner Brothers. During this period, Day also had her own radio program, "The Doris Day Show". It was broadcast on CBS in 1952–1953. Having become primarily recognized as a musical-comedy actress, Day gradually took on more dramatic roles to broaden her range. Her dramatic star-turn as singer Ruth Etting in "Love Me or Leave Me" (1955), co-starring James Cagney, received
Love Me or Leave Me (film) his neglected nightclub, Snyder arrives to find that Etting is performing there herself. At first enraged by what he perceives as an act of charity, Snyder finally realizes this is Etting's way of showing her appreciation, even if she can't be part of his life any longer. The role of Snyder was originally intended for Spencer Tracy, who turned it down. Cagney suggested to producer Joe Pasternak that Doris Day be cast in the Etting role. The role had been sought by Ava Gardner and Jane Russell, but Cagney persuaded MGM to cast Doris Day, who was excited to play