"Lux Radio Theater" broadcast a 60 minute radio adaptation of the movie onNovember 5, 1945 with James Stewart reprising his film role.
James Stewart and Marlene Dietrich had an affair with lasted for the duration of filming. She later claimed that she had to have an abortion after Stewart made her pregnant.
James Stewart's first western.
According to her grandson Peter Riva in an Icons Radio interview, Marlene Dietrich had no interest in doing a western when presented this script. But her friend Erich Maria Remarque convinced her that it would be perfect for her. Remarque told her that it would make her "more American". "If I am more American", Marlene asked him, "can I do more against the Nazis?" Remarque answered, "Of course". Dietrich's motive for doing this movie was to warn Americans about the Nazis.
According to her grandson Peter Riva interviewed for the Icons Radio Hour, Marlene Dietrich's fight scene was unchoreographed. She and Una Merkel agreed to do it impromptu with the only rule being no closed fists. They used feet, pulled hair, and Marlene had bruises for weeks afterwards. but the director got everything in one take.
In the original script, there was a scene in the movie showing Marlene Dietrech putting her winnings from a wild night of gambling below her dress neckline. The censors initially approved her comment. Patting her chest, she exclaims, "There's gold in them thar hills." After the preview audience roared at the line, the censors ordered it removed.
The movie was adapted for a Broadway musical starring Andy Griffith and opened at the April 23, 1959 at the Imperial Theatre and ran for 472 performances.
The role of Tom Destry was originally intended for Gary Cooper, but he wanted more money than the producers were willing to pay him. It was then offered to James Stewart, who took it.
This film was selected to the National Film Registry, Library of Congress, in 1996