The play opened on Broadway, New York City, New York, USA on 30 January 1928 at the John Golden Theatre and had 426 performances. The leads were played by Lynn Fontanne and Glenn Anders, and the supporting cast included Helen Westley and Tom Powers. Because there were 9 acts, the play began in the afternoon and concluded in the evening after an intermission to allow eating dinner. There were two Broadway revivals. The play won the Pulitzer Prize in Drama in 1928.
The play was spoofed in the movie Animal Crackers.
This was the first film in which Clark Gable's trademark mustache appeared.