MovieChat Forums > Lana Turner Discussion > She turned down 'Vertigo' and 'Psycho'

She turned down 'Vertigo' and 'Psycho'


Such a shame, these are such iconic roles.




You, a salty water ocean wave.
Knock, me down and kiss my face.

reply

We'll never know if they would have been "iconic" if played by someone else though, will we ?

Cannot imaging ANYONE else in Psycho other than Janet Leigh. She was "just right" imo.

reply

I had NO idea.

Janet Leigh was utterly perfect in Psycho so good call there. But Lana would have been splendid in Vertigo. Would've added a whole other element to the role. I could envision her scenes with Jimmy Stewart so easily, especially the fall into the bay, the romance, and the ones involving Carlotta 'taking over'. Man, that would've been something! 

reply

Lana would've been great in Vertigo, Novak is a bit young and awkward with Stewart

reply

[–] zhu_bernard 10 months ago
Lana would've been great in Vertigo, Novak is a bit young and awkward with Stewart


You have an interesting point. Lana's much closer to Jimmy Stewart's age. They also starred opposite each other in "Ziegfeld Girl" where they had incredible onscreen chemistry. It would've interesting to see them reunited in "Vertigo."

Although, I can't see Turner as being Hitchcock's final choice since he had a thing for middle-aged actors being paired with much younger blonde actress in the 50's...

reply

Lana would've been great in Vertigo, Novak is a bit young and awkward with Stewart


 You picked up on something I was trying to pin down, in her performance. YES, exactly!

Kim was a wonderful actress but when I think of the magic Lana could've done with this role, I have to admit that it would've been a better portrayal, a different, maybe, 'meatier' performance.

reply