Spencer Tracy was originally cast in the lead role, but withdrew due to ill health and concerns over the ability of co-star Suzy Parker. Tracy told reporters in November 1957 he had withdrawn from this film to star in The Last Hurrah (1958).
Diane Varsi had a mental breakdown during filming in late December 1957 and had to be hospitalized for a week.
The film is based on the 1955 National Book Award-winning novel by John O'Hara. In the novel, Ann Chapin has an abortion. That was considered too volatile for 1950s audiences, so in the film she has a miscarriage.