In his 1988 autobiography "The Ragman's Son," Kirk Douglas says that he thinks that the effectiveness of this movie was hampered by Gertrude Lawrence's vanity, since the filmmakers were obliged to add scenes that made her character look younger and more appealing. Douglas also says that he prefers the 1987 film version directed by Paul Newman.
Reportedly, Tennessee Williams intensely disliked this film version of his play because a final touch not found in the original was added at the very end, just before the fade-out, against Williams' wishes. This implied a totally different, much more upbeat ending to the story.
Director Irving Rapper objected to Kirk Douglas' business of punching one hand into the other. After he suggested moderating it, the actor complained, "This is not Noël Coward!" Jane Wyman interjected, telling Douglas that he should listen to his director.
Tallulah Bankhead was director Irving Rapper's first choice for the role of Amanda. He called Bankhead's screen test the greatest performance he had ever seen: "I thought she was going to be difficult, but she was like a child, so sweet and lovely. I was absolutely floored by her performance. It's the greatest test I've ever made or seen in my life. I couldn't believe I was seeing such reality. Bankhead was absolutely natural, so moving, so touching without even trying. The crew was stunned, too." But studio head Jack Warner rejected the idea because of his fear of Bankhead's notorious drinking. Even though she promised not to drink during shooting, he refused to give her the part. The role was given to Gertrude Lawrence, whose acting was panned by most critics.