On October 25, 1957, Columbia Studios released the film adaptation of Pal Joey, and it became a box office smash. Starring Frank Sinatra, Rita Hayworth and Kim Novak, the film was set against the romantic, foggy backdrop of San Francisco. Though other leading men – including Gene Kelly, Marlon Brando, Kirk Douglas and Jack Lemmon – had been considered for the title role, Sinatra was a natural fit. He’d already released hit recordings of several songs by Rodgers & Hart and Rodgers & Hammerstein, including songs from Pal Joey, and he had the charisma and swagger required for the role. Loosely based on the stage show, the film incorporated several Rodgers & Hart tunes from their other musicals. The New York Times said Sinatra “added luster to these indestructible standards” and the role won him a Golden Globe for Best Actor. Pal Joey would later be ranked as one of the highest-earning films of 1957.