Der Kurier des Zaren
Bryna Productions also announced in March 1958 their biggest project yet: a $15,000,000 film production of Jules Verne's adventure novel "Michael Strogoff." Verne properties had become viable material in the mid-1950s, Douglas having already co-starred in Walt Disney Productions' "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea", Michael Todd having recently released "Around the World in 80 Days", Benedict Bogeaus filming "From the Earth to the Moon" and Charles Brackett preparing "Journey to the Center of the Earth." "Michael Strogoff", which takes place in Russia, was to be the subject of the first American-Soviet film co-production, setup jointly through the two nations' cultural exchange program. Douglas was to star in the film, along with as many American actors as the Russians would allow, with the rest of the stars, including the female lead, and cast to be played by Russian actors.