This comedy based on an ancient play has a real Hollywood history. Lubitsch was to have directed this, but he became ill and the reins were handed to Preminger, with Ernst looking over his shoulder and making sure that Otto's heavy hand was lightened. Lubitsch wanted Garbo, but Preminger insisted on Bankhead (who had helped his family emigrate to the US). And Bankhead clashed with the young Baxter. In the end, the audiences hated the film, but today it remains a firm favourite for Bankhead fans.

Vinnie has a ball on and off the set of this broad comedy as the French Ambassdor and delighted in Tallulah's behavior. On one visit to his dressing, he noticed that Tallulah was sitting on his toilet. Later, as they were talking, he realized that she was taking a leak. "If she hadn't done that eventually, I would have been disappointed!", he later said.