The name of the circus, the John T. Rainey Circus, was specifically chosen so that extensive archive footage from Rain or Shine (1930), also featuring a John T. Rainey Circus, could be used to advantage, as well as the sets and wagons.
Presently available version, as seen on Turner Classic Movies, is the 1938 re-release, bearing a re-release Production Code seal of approval, and re-designed 1938 opening and closing credits.
Greta Nissen, who plays Josie La Tour, was the female lead in the never-released silent version of Howard Hughes' Anjos do Inferno (1930). Since her Norwegian accent would have been unbelievable as the voice of an Englishwoman, she was replaced by Jean Harlow in the sound version.
Filmed February 6-24 1933, released April 10.
Most of the clowns and other circus acts who appear in the film were members of the Al G. Barnes Circus, based in California.