Harris was on an around the world trip in 1929 when her business manager wired, asking her to come home. She had invested heavily in stocks that appeared to be safe, but they did not survive the market's 1929 crash. At the same time, there were no productions able to fill the theater; the Depression meant little to no money spent on entertainment. Harris was offered the chance for "The Green Pastures" at the Hudson Theatre and eagerly signed the production. When construction of the play's sets began, it was found that building a treadmill necessary for the production would damage the theater's foundation. Playwright Marc Connelly canceled the contract with the Hudson and moved the play to the Mansfield Theatre.