Sorrell Booke's film debut.
Godfrey Cambridge was nominated for Broadway's 1962 Tony Award for Best Supporting or Featured Actor (Dramatic) for "Purlie Victorious," a role he recreated in the film version titled Gone Are the Days!.
Based upon the play "Purlie Victorious" by Ossie Davis, which ran on Broadway from 28 September 1961 to 12 May 1962 (261 performances). All actors in the play, except Hilda Haynes recreated their roles for this movie. A musical version entitled "Purlie!" later appeared.
Film debut of Alan Alda'.