For the role of Emma Fairfax, Harrison suggested Maggie Smith, his co-star in "The Honey Pot". Barbra Streisand and Hayley Mills were approached for the role, but salary negotiations broke down. The role eventually went to Samantha Eggar. Her singing voice was overdubbed by Diana Lee (the daughter of playback singer Bill Lee). Just when shooting was to commence, in order to save thousands on the project, Fleischer and Zanuck decided to reduce Bumpo's role, which was drastically increased due to Poitier's casting. They regrettably informed Poitier that he would be released from his contract before he started filming his scenes. Geoffrey Holder was cast as his replacement.