Trivia

This film was considered to be Joan Crawford's breakthrough role after years of playing empty-headed flappers in a series of profitable films. It was a coup for her as the original star, Norma Shearer, for whom the female lead had been commissioned had to decline the film due to pregnancy. Shearer was married to the studio brass, Irving Thalberg. "How can I compete with her," Crawford complained, "when she sleeps with the boss?"

The story was a perfect dramatic vehicle, allowing the leading lady to make the transition from wide-eyed innocent to hardened ex-convict to mature woman in love. With her other hits in 1930, Crawford now ranked as the nation's top box-office star. Studio head Louis B. Mayer was so happy he gave her a $10,000 bonus.

Bayard Veiller's play, "Within the Law," on which this film is based, opened on Broadway in New York on 11 September 1912 at the Eltinge 42nd St. Theatre, 236 W. 42nd St. and ran for 541 performances. A revival in 1928 ran for 16 performances.

This film was a hit at the box office, earning MGM a profit of $415,000 ($8.67M in 2024) according to studio records.

Marie Prevost, who plays Joan Crawford's gal pal Agnès, had been a Major star in Hollywood's silent era, but fell on hard times when sound came in. After years without much work and a serious drinking problem, she died at just 40 years old, nearly penniless, with an estate valued at just $300. Her experiences led to the formation of the charitable Motion Picture Country Home, which provided comfort and shelter to those who had once been prominent in the movie business, but needed assistance later in life.

Isabel Withers is listed in studio records as appearing in this film with character name "Helen Morris," but her scenes were cut before the film was released.