Sam Spiegel had wanted Jack Nicholson for the part of Monroe Stahr, but Elia Kazan had opted for Robert De Niro. Based on the life of MGM producer and executive Irving Thalberg. Originally Mike Nichols was going to direct. Mike Nichols tried to sign Dustin Hoffman for Monroe Stahr. Al Pacino rejected the leading role. Anjelica Huston tried out the lead of Kathleen, but Spiegal preferred Susan Sarandon. But Ingrid Boulting got the role. This is Theresa Russell's first film. Eli ...[Read Story ]