Louis Natheaux is listed in studio records for the role of "Easter", but he was replaced by Walter Miller.
Debut of John Qualen.
Film debut of Beulah Bondi.
The entire tenement district set including the elevated station was built on the back lot of the United Artists Studio in Hollywood. If you look closely at the end of the street under the twin staircases that go up to the train station you'll see they used a huge painted backing to extend the street.
The play opened in New York City, New York, USA, on 10 January 1929 and had 601 performances. Eight performers in the movie originated their roles in the play: T.H. Manning, Beulah Bondi, Conway Washburne, John Qualen, Matt McHugh, Ann Kostant, Eleanor Wesselhoeft and George Humbert. The play won the Pulitzer Prize in 1929 for best drama.