Paul Muni was the first choice for the lead, but refused to play a Jewish role.
Although Victor Adams was cast in the role of David Adams and that character is mentioned in the movie, his scenes were cut from the film before release.
Although this film is frank about some matters, the Production Code of the Hays Office - i.e., censorship - was still in effect. In one 16mm print there is a curious moment of dead air at the end of Lillian Larue's parting speech to George Simon. She says (approximately), "Well, for God's sake, what do they expect for fifteen thousand dollars?" John Barrymore keeps looking at Larue (Thelma Todd as if she is still speaking, and she must be, but there is no sound. Her last words in the text of the play are, "A virgin?"
The play opened on Broadway in New York City, New York, USA on 6 November 1931 and closed in July 1932 after 232 performances. Many of the cast originated their movie roles in the play: John Hammond Dailey, Malka Kornstein, Marvin Kline, T.H. Manning, John Qualen, Angela Jacobs, Elmer Brown and Conway Washburne. Also in the opening night cast was Paul Muni (who turned down his role of George Simon for the movie) and Ned Glass. Vincent Sherman was in a Chicago production of the play.