Immediately after the graduation sequence, there is a quick scene showing Allison MacKenzie (Diane Varsi) at a typewriter. She is in the same pose that showed author Grace Metalious on the back of the paperback. The detail is exact, right down to the position of her body and clothing.
This film received nine Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. It failed to win a single Academy Award.
Lana Turner, Hope Lange, Diane Varsi and Russ Tamblyn all give their only Oscar-nominated performances in this film. As of 2018, this film's four one-time nominees in the acting categories is a record.
Susan Strasberg was initially set to play Allison. However, when she upped her salary, she was fired. For a short period, Debbie Reynolds was set to replace her. Eventually, 20 famous actresses were screen tested before the unknown Diane Varsi got the role.