Prior to filming, Susan Hayward took the opportunity to study Lillian Roth's vocal style, tone and delivery when Miss Roth performed in Las Vegas. Moreover, the two women became friends during the production.
Appearing together for the only time on film were Eddie Albert (playing Burt McGuire) and his wife Margo (portraying Selma). The couple were wed from December 5, 1945 until Margo's death on July 17, 1985.
Hollywood actresses in contention to play Lillian Roth included June Allyson (who nearly won the role), Shelley Winters, Ann Blyth, Grace Kelly, Janet Leigh, Jane Wyman, Jean Simmons, Jane Russell and Piper Laurie.
MGM had hired vocalist Sandy Ellis to sing for Susan Hayward, but after listening to Miss Hayward's rehearsal tracks, the movie's creative team chose instead to use her own singing voice. Previously, she had been dubbed by Peg La Centra in Smash-Up: The Story of a Woman (1947), then by Jane Froman in With a Song in My Heart (1952), and later would be dubbed by Margaret Whiting in Valley of the Dolls (1967). Initially, Miss Ellis had prerecorded two standards: "When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along" (music and lyrics by Harry M. Woods) and "Happiness Is a Thing Called Joe" (music by Harold Arlen, music by E.Y. Harburg). Both Ellis tracks plus all the Hayward vocals are featured on the complete soundtrack CD issued by Film Score Monthly in 2004.
Earning nearly $8,000,000 (equivalent to ~ $76,800,000 in 2019), this picture became the fourth-highest moneymaker of 1956.