A sterling example of the risk studios took in casting their stars against type: Spencer Tracy experienced box office failure only when cast as an unsympathetic character in films such as this, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941), Tortilla Flat (1942), The Sea of Grass (1946), Cass Timberlane (1947) and Plymouth Adventure (1952).
The titular character of Edward is unseen in both the stage and film versions, his presence deemed unnecessary by the authors, as the father's ruthless, corruptive influence defines the boy's increasingly antisocial behaviors. As such, Edward's unseen but much-discussed character flaws are the core element of the tale.
Ian Hunter repeats his stage role from the Broadway production, although his character's surname has been changed.
Leueen MacGrath repeats her stage role from the Broadway production, although her character's surname has been changed.
This film did very poorly at the box office for MGM, resulting in a loss of $1,159,000 ($11.73M in 2017) according to studio records.