"Cabin in the Sky", the original musical comedy, had been written by Lynn Root (lyrics and libretto) and composed by Vernon Duke and John La Touche. The producer was Albert Lewis in association with Vinton Freedley.
Oscar Polk's last movie.
A scene showing Lena Horne singing "Ain't It the Truth" while taking a bath was cut, but later appeared in Studio Visit.
Apart from the "Shine" sequence, this was Vincente Minnelli's first sole directing assignment. Minnelli had been directing on Broadway, which gave this film a feel that had nothing of the typical "Hollywood Studio System" in it.
Cabin In The Sky opened at the Martin Beck Theater on October 25, 1940 and ran for 156 performances.
MGM recycled some of its tornado footage from The Wizard of Oz for a key scene in this movie.
This film is generally credited with the first appearance of the "moon walk" dance step. It is performed by Bill Bailey, brother ofPearl Bailey.