Jean Harlow and Clark Gable were originally set to star in this film but rejected the project. After rewrites, the project was remounted with Loretta Young and Ricardo Cortez.
Franchot Tone and Una Merkel were the only leads in this film under contract with the production company, M-G-M. Loretta Young was loaned from Warner Bros, Ricardo Cortez from Paramount, and Andy Devine from Universal. Director William A. Wellman was also borrowed from Warner Bros.
Originally conceived as a vehicle for Jean Harlow.
The original story treatment written by Anita Loos was titled "Nora: Girl Delinquent" and was based on a series of magazine articles allegedly written by a former gang moll and informant.
The original working title "Lady of the Night" was changed after the Hayes Office objected (the title was thought to be obscene).