In part for its obvious publicity value, MGM had interest in casting 'Jackie Cooper''s son John in the role his father had created in
The Champ (1931/I) some twenty years before. He was favorably screen-tested and was to be billed as "Jackie Cooper Jr." But his father, well-versed in the pitfalls of child acting, objected to obligating the boy to a contract with the studio. Young Cooper was only six anyway, and his age made the casting a stretch despite the good screen test.
Tim Considine, several years older, was selected.
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