Harry Cohn wasn't particularly keen on bringing Louis Armstrong into "Pennies from Heaven" (1936) no matter how much Bing Crosby attempted to talk him into it. Crosby was exercising an option in his contract to Paramount to make a film "out-of-house" and it would be Cohn's once chance to work with the budding actor. Armstrong had heavily influenced Crosby's singing voice after having met back in 1926 and it would be a wish fulfillment to work alongside the musician. Armstrong was equally complimentary towards Crosby's musical skills and the mutual admiration made them good friends by 1930. But Cohn disagreed fervently, saying "...no reason to entail the expense of flying him in" and having "no desire to negotiate with Armstrong's crude, mob-linked but devoted manager Joe Glaser." Crosby almost walked out. Cohn gave into the casting and in turn, the role heightened Armstrong's behavior. Crosby even insisted to give his hero equal billing with his white costars which was the first time for any black actor for the time.
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