The part of Mama Jean Bello initially had been accepted by Judy Garland, who then had second thoughts about the slapdash quality of the project and withdrew before filming started. Next, Eleanor Parker, went quickly in and out prior to shooting. Ultimately, the mother role would be played by Ginger Rogers, making her last feature-film appearance.
Completed in just eight days, this black-and-white production was shot in Electronvision (on the poster, listed as being 'filmed in Theatrofilm'), a television process which looked dark and grainy when projected on a movie screen.
Before Carol Lynley landed title role, Dorothy Provine and Diane McBain were mentioned as possible leads.
The character of William Mansfield is based upon William Powell, with whom the actual Jean Harlow was romantically involved at the time of her death in 1937.
This film was rushed through production and into release in hopes of cashing in on publicity for the other, more expensive 1965 biopic of The Platinum Blonde, Paramount's version of Harlow, which starred Carroll Baker in the title role. Both films were "inspired" by a salacious, best-selling Irving Schulman book, "Jean Harlow, an Intimate Biography", published in 1964.
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