The ballet sequence in this film is taken from Bathing Beauty (1944), a 1944 MGM musical in which Red starred opposite Esther Williams.
In part for its obvious publicity value, MGM had interest in casting Jackie Cooper's son John in the role his father had created in The Champ (1931) some twenty years before. He was favorably screen-tested and was to be billed as "Jackie Cooper Jr." But his father, well-versed in the pitfalls of child acting, objected to obligating the boy to a contract with the studio. Young Cooper was only six anyway, and his age made the casting a stretch, despite the good screen test. Tim Considine, several years older, was selected.
This film was a success at the box office, earning MGM a profit of $437,000 (~$5M in 2023) according to studio records.
Film debut of Tim Considine. He would become best known for playing Mike Douglas, one of the original sons on My Three Sons (1960) in 185 episodes from 1960 to 1965.
Red Skelton's first real dramatic lead role.