The actual "Hollywood Hotel" on which this movie is based, was a Hollywood institution. It was a sprawling building built at the turn of the century at 6811 Hollywood Blvd. and had formal gardens, grand lobby, 2 towers and a ballroom. It was the hangout for many stars over the years. It was finally torn down in 1956. The site is now occupied by the new Hollywood-Highland shopping complex and Dolby Theatre, where the Oscars are now presented every year.
Due to controversy surrounding Ted Healy's death just prior to the release, his credit was deleted from the trailer, despite him having a main supporting role in the film and despite his being the highest paid comic in the country. He died from kidney failure due to years of alcoholism and being severely beaten in a bar fight.
The drive-in restaurant where Dick Powell's character works is called "Callahans" in the film. The actual coffee shop in Hollywood was called "Carpenter's" and was located at the southeast corner of Sunset and Vine Streets. It was one of the earliest "drive-in" restaurants in the U.S. The uniform worn is based on the actual uniforms the mostly male waiters wore. They were based on the uniforms that service station attendants wore. The reason for this new type of restaurant was to cater to the new younger movie star who wanted to be seen in their expensive automobiles. The restaurant was open all night.
The sequence with the Benny Goodman Quartet - white musicians Goodman on clarinet and Gene Krupa on drums, and Black musicians Ted Wilson on piano and Lionel Hampton on vibes - performing "I've Got a Heartful of Music" was the first time a racially mixed band was shown in a film.
Look closely for Carole Landis, playing a coat check girl in the Orchid Room night club scene. Also note future Big Band leader Harry James on trumpet in Benny Goodman's orchestra, also with legendary drummer Gene Krupa. Other future stars to watch for are Susan Hayward as a prospective starlet and a quick scene with Ronald Reagan as a radio announcer.