What Katharine Hepburn Didn't Trivia Quiz

Answer: Gone With the Wind

Katharine Hepburn was just one of many actresses considered for the part of Scarlett. Among the others were Lucille Ball, Tallulah Bankhead, Joan Crawford and Bette Davis. The producer wanted Clark Gable to play Rhett, but since Gable was under contract to another studio, the part was offered to Gary Cooper. When Cooper turned down the role, Selznick managed to make a deal that enabled Gable to take the part.
George Cukor was originally slated to direct the film, and he had been involved for two years in the prep work, but after three weeks of filming, he was replaced by Victor Fleming. (Fleming also replaced George Cukor on "The Wizard of Oz") A third director, Sam Wood, filled in for two weeks when Fleming took a break due to exhaustion.
One of Hollywood's biggest successes, 1939's "Gone With the Wind" is set during America's Civil War, and features the spoiled Scarlett O'Hara, the roguish Rhett Butler, and those that their lives touched. Their tumultuous relationship mirrors the backdrop of wartime havoc as America's future is decided.
It was the first color film to win the Best Picture Oscar, and it also won seven other Oscars, including Best Director. And, when the film premiered in Atlanta, the governor declared a state holiday.

Answer: How Green Was My Valley

1941's "How Green Was My Valley" is set in a coal mining region in 19th century Wales, and centers around the Morgan family. Their lives are changing, with unionization offering benefits, but also presenting generational conflicts that complicate their lives and dreams and hopes.
The story is told in flashbacks through the eyes of the youngest Morgan, Huw Morgan, who at the beginning of the film is an old man readying himself to leave his beloved valley. The young Huw is played by Roddy McDowall, while his older self is an unseen narrator voiced by Irving Pichel. The film also stars Anna Lee, Donald Crisp and Barry Fitzgerald, and it was based on the 1939 novel written by Richard Llewellyn.
William Wyler intended to direct the film in Wales, and Katharine Hepburn, Laurence Olivier and Tyrone Power were all being considered for parts in the film. Unfortunately, Wyler was replaced by John Ford, and due to WWII, the filming was done in California.

Answer: Shane

Following the Homestead Act of 1862, tensions are running high in Wyoming between the homesteaders and the cattlemen. The Starretts want to work their land in peace, especially Marian, who wishes for a life without guns. But a cattle baron named Rufus Ryker doesn't want his grazing lands fenced off, and tensions are mounting.

Into the growing conflict a stranger rides in, and honor, loyalty, friendship and survival all come into play. Katharine Hepburn was originally suggested for the role of Marian, but the director, George Stevens, chose Jean Arthur instead.

He also chose Montgomery Clift to play Shane and William Holden to play Joe Starrett, but they were not available, and the respective roles went to Alan Ladd and Van Heflin.

Answer: Forever, Darling

In 1956's "Forever, Darling", Susan and Lorenzo Vega's marriage is in danger. They have been drifting apart, and when Susan wishes for more attention from Lorenzo, her guardian angel materializes - full of advice. But, a second honeymoon may prove to be more than their marriage can stand.
The film also starred James Mason as the guardian angel.
Originally intended as a project for William Powell and Myrna Loy, and a couple years later for Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy, "Forever, Darling" filled the downtime for Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz while on break from their television series, "I Love Lucy". Chosen in part by Lucy as a way to strengthen her troubled marriage, the hope proved futile, and they divorced in 1960.

Answer: Bette Davis

Bette Davis was born in 1908, and following a bit of stage work, she made her Hollywood film debut in 1931's "The Bad Sister". An intense perfectionist, she made a number of critically acclaimed films - and a number of critical enemies. She was the first person to earn ten Oscar nominations for acting - including one for 1962's "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" - and won two Oscars for Best Actress. 1961's "Pocketful of Miracles" was Capra's last film, and it was the film debut of Ann-Margret. Katharine Hepburn, along with several other actresses, turned down the role of Apple Annie, and following Frank Sinatra's departure from the cast, his role of Dave the Dude was offered to Kirk Douglas, Dean Martin, and Jackie Gleason.

They all turned down the role.

After some financial and control issues were settled, Glenn Ford took the role.

Answer: Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte

The thriller "Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte" centers around a wealthy Southern spinster, Charlotte Hollis, who is a recluse haunted by terrifying memories and disturbing hallucinations. Threatened by eviction from her home, and relying on the help of a poor cousin, Charlotte's world becomes a living nightmare. The film originally starred Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, reuniting the stars of "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?". But, early in the filming Joan Crawford took ill, and when it was clear that she would not be returning, her role was offered to Katharine Hepburn and Vivien Leigh.

Hepburn failed to answer the studio's offer, and Leigh refused the part. Loretta Young and Barbara Stanwyck also turned down the role before Bette Davis suggested offering the part to Olivia de Havilland - who accepted.

Answer: Ship of Fools

The drama "Ship of Fools" is based on a novel by the same name written by Katherine Anne Porter. The story focuses on a group of people taking an ocean liner trip from Mexico to Germany, in a voyage of discovery, ostracism, adventure and danger.
Katharine Hepburn was the first choice to play the part of passenger Mary Treadwell, an aging Southern belle, but she turned down the role to spend her time caring for her ailing love, Spencer Tracy. Vivian Leigh took the role, and it was her last film.

Answer: Anne Bancroft

1966's "7 Women" was a drama set during 1935 in a missionary in China. Beset by Mongolian bandits, the missionaries struggle to protect each other, protect the imminent birth of the mission teacher's child, and protect members of a different mission.
The film starred Anne Bancroft, Sue Lyon, Eddie Albert and Woody Strode.
The director and co-producer, John Ford, wanted either Katharine Hepburn or Jennifer Jones for the role of Dr. Cartwright, but eventually chose Patricia Neal. When Patricia Neal had a stroke during the filming, Anne Bancroft was chosen to replace her.
"7 Women" was John Ford's last directorial film effort.
Anne Bancroft worked in film, television and theater, and earned numerous awards for her work. She won a Tony award in 1959 and an Oscar in 1962 for her portrayal of Annie Sullivan in "The Miracle Worker", first in the play, then the film. In addition to the lengthy list of her credited roles, she had an uncredited appearance in Mel Brooks' 1974 comedy "Blazing Saddles".

Answer: Travels With My Aunt

"Travels With My Aunt" is a comedy featuring the eccentric Augusta Bertram, her staid nephew Henry Pulling, and Augusta's lover, Zachary Wordsworth. Following the funeral of the woman who had raised Henry, the three are conversing in Augusta's apartment when a package arrives. Inside is the severed finger of Augusta's former lover, and a ransom demand - setting them off on a whirlwind adventure full of shady deals and dangerous laughs.
The film also starred Alec McCowen, Louis Gossett Jr, Robert Stephens and Cindy Williams.
Katharine Hepburn originally was not interested in the role, but after rereading the book, she decided to join the cast. She found the script, however, unacceptable, and was given the option of rewriting it herself. She did so, but the studio head was unhappy with her version, and wanting a younger actress for the part, told Hepburn the project was being shelved. The very next day, Hepburn was informed that she was being fired from the film for not showing up for the filming. Infuriated, Hepburn at first wanted to file suit, but finally decided against taking such an action.

Answer: The Blue Bird

1976's "The Blue Bird", follows a pair of peasant children sent on a search for the Blue Bird of Happiness. Set in Russia, the filming took place in Leningrad and Moscow. The film also featured Cicely Tyson, Will Geer and Ava Gardner.
Directed by George Cukor, the film was a joint production between the US and Russia. Unfortunately, it was a trouble-plagued production. Shirley MacLaine left the film before shooting began, James Coco dropped out during the filming due to health troubles, and Elizabeth Taylor suffered with dysentery and dehydration. Cicely Tyson was accused of jinxing the film with voodoo magic, and Jane Fonda's political views caused difficulties. The troubles on the set eventually led to communications between the director and producer occurring strictly through their lawyers.
The film had a few taglines, including "The Blue Bird is magic for everyone." That seems to have been overly optimistic, considering the fact that the film was a box office disaster.