Mary Pickford was initially horrified to hear her recorded voice for the first time in this film: "That's not me. That's a pipsqueak voice. It's impossible! I sound like I'm 12 or 13!"
Mary Pickford ensured this movie's continued commercial success - which was critical for a film to qualify for an Academy Award - by waging an effective publicity campaign. Driving it was a contest for a fan to win the movie's standout costume - Howard Greer's "orchid dress" of silk organza. Its pretty, drop-waist skirt hung in petal-like tiers, while a silk orchid prettified its cummerbund. Pickford was photographed giving it away to the one among seven thousand contestants whose measurements matched her petite size four: Marie Hilkevitch, a grocery store checkout clerk.
The play originally opened in New York on November 8, 1927 at Maxine Elliott's Theatre, with Helen Hayes in the title role. It ran for 366 performances.
Mary Pickford's longtime cameraman Charles Rosher was the original cinematographer, but "creative differences" resulted in his being let go and replaced by Karl Struss.
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