In 1943, Merman was a featured performer in the film "Stage Door Canteen" and opened in another Porter musical, "Something for the Boys", produced by Michael Todd. In 1944, Merman was set to star as the title character in the musical play "Sadie Thompson" with a score by Vernon Duke and Howard Dietz, directed and produced by Rouben Mamoulian. The musical play was based on the short story "Rain" by W. Somerset Maugham. The serious nature of the production was a departure from Merman’s string of successful musical comedies. Moreover, during rehearsals, Merman had difficulties memorizing the lyrics, and she blamed Dietz for his use of sophisticated and foreign words. She had her husband tone down some of the lyrics.Dietz took exception to Merman’s singing the altered lyrics and gave her an ultimatum to sing his original lyrics or leave the show. In response, Merman withdrew from the production.Commentators have speculated that Merman's departure was probably due to her reluctance to assume such a serious role in her first dramatic musical.June Havoc left her starring role in "Mexican Hayride" and assumed the role written for Merman."Sadie Thompson" opened on Broadway on November 16, 1944 to mixed reviews.Havoc received almost uniformly favorable reviews.However, the score and the book received mixed reviews, with the score called “undistinguished.” The show only lasted 60 performances and closed on January 6, 1945.