Ursula Parrott's novel "Ex-Wife" was a runaway bestseller in 1929. MGM was a little wary of being too closely associated with such a racy novel so did not credit the source book directly. Instead the screen credit reads "Based on a novel by Ursula Parrott".
Joan Crawford was outspoken as to how often the roles she coveted at MGM were given to Norma Shearer. When approached for comment by the press, Crawford famously remarked, "What do you expect? She sleeps with the boss" - referring to Shearer's husband, MGM production chief Irving Thalberg.
Norma Shearer landing the lead role reportedly did not sit well with Joan Crawford who was also gunning for the role. Reportedly, Crawford never forgave Shearer.
In the early years of the Academy Awards, winners were leaked to the media before the actual ceremony. In 1931, Best Actress winner Norma Shearer and Best Actor winner George Arliss posed with their statuettes two days before the banquet.
Shooting wrapped in only 22 days and, surprisingly for MGM, there were no retakes.