Bob Hope and Katharine Hepburn had a difficult and wary relationship during production as Hepburn became aware that the film was being changed to a typical Hope comedy, leaving nearly fifty percent of her work on the film on the cutting room floor. As a result, writer Ben Hecht unsuccessfully tried to have his name removed from the film.
The film was largely unavailable in the U.S. for more than fifty years. Bootleg versions existed throughout that time, but the film was not released in American markets due to its box-office and critical failure. Turner Classic Movies broadcast the film on November 29th, 2012 and released it on Blu-ray/DVD less than a month later--they use the original UK cut, running 93 minutes and including Ben Hecht's screenwriting credit; it does not feature the MGM logo.
Ben Hecht wrote the part of Vinka with Katharine Hepburn in mind. Cary Grant was considered for the male lead, but he was unavailable.
There is a running gag about Kropotkin's inability to dance. He is played by Robert Helpmann, one of the leading ballet dancers and choreographers of the 20th century.