According to Viviane Romance's autobiography, following artistic differences between Abel Gance and herself, most of the scenes she appears in (one third of the film) were in fact directed by Edmond T. Gréville.
An integral print of the film was discovered in the Royal Belgium Cinematheque in 1970.
Before Viviane Romance was signed for the role, Ginette Leclerc was hired but soon dropped. Posters announcing the film (titled as 'Messaline') and featuring Ginette Leclerc appeared in the press and are still available.
First released in the non-occupied zone of France on 20 September 1941. The occupied zone didn't see it for another two years; it was released in Paris on 1 November 1943.
Following the censorship visa delivered by the occupying German authorities on 5th April 1943, the film was released in the Occupied Zone and was amputated by about 25 minutes.