 Zanuck, with whom Preminger previously had clashed, returned to the studio and was angered to discover Goetz had rehired his nemesis.In retaliation, he announced that Preminger could produce "Laura," but not direct it, and assigned him to helm "In the Meantime, Darling", instead.Several directors, including Lewis Milestone, were offered and rejected "Laura" until Rouben Mamoulian finally agreed to direct.