In order to cash in on Frank Capra's popularity in England, Columbia Pictures released this film in London as "A Frank Capra Production, produced by Frank Capra." Capra, who had never even seen the film, was furious. This led to a bitter year-long dispute between head of Columbia Harry Cohn and Capra, who sued the studio for libel. It almost cost Cohn his job and almost resulted in Capra leaving the studio. It was resolved when Cohn relented and promised to buy for Capra the rights to the play "You Can't Take It with You" for $200,000, and pay him some back salary if he would drop the suit. Capra did.
In an early scene Jim says, "I was quite a boy, as I remember, making $20 a week." For perspective, between 1920 and 1930 that would have been like making $300 a week in 2020.
"...what does "passementerie workers" mean?" "I'm not sure. I think it has something to do with beads." Yes, and much more. It includes: braids, piping, ribbons, tassels, rosettes, cords, embroidery, fringes and all sorts of decorative elements.
"The Screen Guild Theater" broadcast a 30-minute radio adaptation of the movie on January 26, 1941 with Herbert Marshall reprising his film role.
"The Screen Guild Theater" broadcast a 30-minute radio adaptation of the movie on October 22, 1945 with Lionel Stander reprising his film role.