The film was a critical and commercial disaster upon release, effectively ending its star Clark Gable's reign as "The King of Hollywood" and his viability as a box office champion. He was so disappointed by the finished film that he did not agree to act again until more than a year had passed.
This film was Clark Gable's first after he returned to Hollywood following his service in the Army Air Corps in World War II. He had joined in August 1942, following the death of his wife Carole Lombard. MGM hyped this film as Gable's big comeback, using the line, "Gable's Back and Garson's Got Him!" in the advertising. Audiences at first lined up to see the King back in action, but the novelty wore off and the film flopped.