 He favored Clifton Webb, a noted Broadway actor, who had not appeared before the cameras since 1930, and who at that time was performing in the Noël Coward play "Blithe Spirit" in Los Angeles.Fox casting director Rufus LeMaire and Zanuck both objected to Webb because of his effeminate mannerisms, which were exactly what Preminger felt suited the character.Preminger filmed the actor delivering a monologue from the Coward play, and Zanuck agreed that Webb was perfect for the role.