Elizabeth Burns (Lauren Bacall) is becoming estranged from her driven husband Sidney (Fred MacMurray) because his work is consuming him and undermining his health; she fears a promotion would eventually kill him.

When the couples are unexpectedly invited to spend the weekend at the estate of Gifford's sister Evelyn Andrews, (Margalo Gillmore), Elizabeth generously helps Katie buy appropriate clothing on a limited budget.

Carol makes one last brazen attempt to influence his choice and is surprised to learn that, while Jerry is Gifford's favorite, he will not get the job because of a fatal handicap.

In January 1952 Julian Blaustein was to produce and the film was going to star Jeanne Crain, Corinne Calvet, Marilyn Monroe and Joanne Dru.

[5] In April 1953 Claude Binyon was going to direct and Raymond Klune produce with Jeanne Crain and possibly Gloria Grahame to star.

By this stage the director was Jean Negulesco and the stars were intended to be Clifton Webb, June Allyson, Eleanor Parker, Glenn Ford, Lauren Bacall and Charlton Heston.

[10] By April the stars signed were Clifton Webb, Jean Peters, Gloria Grahame, June Allyson and Cornel Wilde.