Douglas described his "linguistic scheme" - he Roman characters would speak with English accents, while the slaves (in revolt against the existing world order) would use American accents.The Russians are determinedly inquisitive and ask about the leaked rumor that a "serious epidemic" of unknown origin has broken out there and may spread.They reunited at a five-and-dime Woolworth""s Store in the fictional own of McCarthy, TX (about 60 miles from Marfa).Although Hepburn had a brilliant performance in this film, she was an unconventional, independent-spirited performer, and this was her last film for RKO - since she had been infamously labeled ""box-office poison"" through most of the 30s.