I thought Jack Carson, Elia Kazan, and Billy Halop were great as the band members, but I wasn't really crazy about Richard Whorf. His delivery was quite monotonous and he certainly didn't emote well.
If only Julie wouldn't have turned down the role of Jigger... one can only imagine! Wow!!!
I was thinking of John Garfield in this role all the way through the movie. I didn't know it had been offered to him - but with that WB ensemble cast, I couldn't imagine anyone else in the role!
The Trivia section reports Garfield turning down the role.
I think he would have been great as Jigger, and this movie may have become more of a classic.
I think this movie would be better remembered than it is if Garfield had played the role. The other guy was OK but as you say, it would be more of a classic if he was in it.
But if he was, we would have to resolve the sexual chemistry between him and Priscilla Lane. Wouldn't you want to see them end up together?