Doris Day filmography with Warners after filming "Young at Heart" (1954) with Frank Sinatra. Day then campaigned for more dramatic parts. Her portrayal of singer Ruth Etting in "Love Me or Leave Me" (1955) with James Cagney, was well received by critics and was a box office hit. However, her follow-up films, Alfred Hitchcock's remake of "The Man Who Knew Too Much" (1956), Andrew L. Stone's "Julie" (1956), and George Abbott and Stanley Donen's film version of "The Pajama Game" (1957) were less successful among the critics and the public alike. Day's star attained greater heights with the success of "Pillow Talk" in
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