The film was originally designed as a vehicle for Danny Kaye, then under contract to Warner Brothers, but the comedian terminated his agreement with the studio.
Lauren Bacall was offered the female lead, but she refused the role.
Jack Pepper, who played the singer with the fantastic tenor voice, was Ginger Rogers' first husband. In vaudeville he had a successful act called Salt and Pepper. He is also the father of actress Cynthia Pepper.
Based on the play "A Slight Case of Murder", which opened on Broadway at the 48th Street Theatre, 157 W. 48th St., on September 11, 1935 and ran for 69 performances.
The voice on the car radio announcing the end of prohibition at the beginning of this film is Merv Griffin, who was under contract to Warners at the time.