Most of Natalie Wood's singing voice was dubbed by vocalist Jackie Ward. However, Wood herself sings the intro to "You're Gonna Hear From Me" for the screen test version of the tune.
Natalie Wood developed a friendship with stage actress Ruth Gordon and insisted Gordon portray her mother in the film, much to the chagrin of the studio, which wanted a name actress in the role.
Robert Redford's agent tried to dissuade him from appearing in the film. Redford accepted the role on the proviso that the script was altered to tone down his character's sexuality. To Redford's dismay, after his footage was completed, a new line was scripted and shot which left no question that his character was bisexual.
Not by coincidence, this film about the perils of childhood stardom features two of the best known and most successful child stars in Hollywood history, Natalie Wood and Roddy McDowall.
In the movie, Daisy is only 15 years old when she is signed by Swan Studios. At the time of the movie's release, Natalie Wood was almost twice that age: 27 years old.