Question 1

Why did Barbara Stanwyck almost turn down the lead role in Ladies of Leisure?

Accepted Answer

Despite her previous three films being critical and commercial failures, Harry Cohn wanted her as Kay. She was on the verge of returning to theater in NYC. After a bad interview with Frank Capra, she went home crying, and her husband Frank Fay called Capra to complain.

Question 2

What was the working title of Ladies of Leisure and why is it notable in Frank Capra's career?

Accepted Answer

The working title was 'Ladies of the Evening.' It was Capra's fifth sound film and the first over which Columbia head Harry Cohn gave him complete creative control.

Question 3

How did Frank Capra feel about Barbara Stanwyck during the making of the film?

Accepted Answer

Capra later wrote that he was so smitten with the young Barbara Stanwyck that he would have asked her to marry him if they both had been free at the time.

Question 4

What does the line '12 miles out' refer to in the film?

Accepted Answer

When Bill tells Kay he will see her '12 miles out,' he refers to the territorial limit of U.S. laws—when the ship's bar could legally serve alcohol during Prohibition.

Question 5

What happened after Columbia was impressed with Barbara Stanwyck's work in this film?

Accepted Answer

Columbia signed Barbara Stanwyck to a four-picture contract.

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Ladies of Leisure

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