Warner Brothers cast George Jessel in this film after he starred in the Broadway production of "The Jazz Singer". "Murphy" was a box-office hit, so Warner Bros. bought the movie rights to "Jazz Singer" for $50,000 and cast Jessel in the lead role. When the studio decided to add songs, Jessel balked. He said he wasn't being paid to sing, and demanded $10,000 more than his initial contract. Warner Bros. then offered the role to Al Jolson.