The role of Anthony John was originally written for Laurence Olivier, who was unavailable when the film finally went into production.
After shooting wrapped, George Cukor presented Shelley Winters with a bust of Ronald Colman. The novice actress responded by giving him a box of pills for stomach cramps and heartburn.
This was the first of five collaborations between George Cukor and the husband-and-wife writing team of Garson Kanin and Ruth Gordon between 1947 and 1980.
Shelley Winters was initially known professionally as Shelley Winter. Universal-International added the S to her last name when they billed her in the film.
Ronald Colman, who had never performed any William Shakespeare before, considered Anthony John to be his most satisfying film role.