Joan Crawford and Clark Gable both appear as extras in this film. According to author William J. Mann, in his book "Behind the Screen: How Gays and Lesbians Shaped Hollywood 1910-1969", future costume designers Irene and Walter Plunkett also appear as dance partners.
Erich von Stroheim did not want to have John Gilbert play Danilo and the two got into a big fight when filming began. Soon afterward, they made up and became close friends.
Erich von Stroheim wanted his friend Norman Kerry to play Prince Danilo. The two had previously worked together on Merry-Go-Round.
About one-fifth of the film's running time constitute the plot of the original operetta. The preceding storyline was concocted by Erich von Stroheim and Benjamin Glazer.
Author Scott Eyman, in his book "Lion of Hollywood: The Life and Legend of Louis B. Mayer", says that Mae Murray was "abusive, borderline delusional, and served as the primary inspiration for the character of Norma Desmond in Sunset Blvd.." When she was later in difficulties, Louis B. Mayer "refused to add her to his list of pensioners."
During filming, Mae Murray would frequently visit the front office to complain that director Erich von Stroheim was making a dirty movie. The two of them fought constantly during production.
In a videotaped interview conducted in March 2010 at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, dancer Marge Champion noted that her father, dance instructor Ernest Belcher, worked as a choreographer in the ballroom sequence of this film. According to her, he worked extensively with leading lady Mae Murray. When Champion recently watched the film on TCM, however, she was surprised to see that her father received no on-screen credit.
One of the most expensive scenes to be filmed, a champagne-fueled orgy with numerous under-dressed chorus girls, was cut for censorship reasons.
Supposedly, during a day of viewing rushes, Irving Thalberg asked Erich von Stroheim about a particular behavioral aspect of the character Baron Sadoja, played by Tully Marshall. "That is a foot fetish", replied Stroheim. Thalberg is said to gave replied, "You, Von, have a footage fetish!"
While filming the climactic ballroom scene, Erich von Stroheim noticed an extra whose costume was not adjusted to his liking. He stepped of the high camera platform on which he was standing, fell and broke his leg. He directed the rest of the film from a reclining chair, while his leg healed.
Erich von Stroheim:
[janitors]
A street cleaner is shown outside the brothel where Danilo brings Sally.
Erich von Stroheim:
[prostitutes]
Danilo brings Sally to a brothel, where a wild party is in progress, with the intent to seduce her.