Ursula Parrott's novel "Ex-Wife" was a runaway bestseller in 1929. MGM was a little wary of being too closely associated with such a racy novel so did not credit the source book directly. Instead the screen credit reads "Based on a novel by Ursula Parrott".
Shooting wrapped in only 22 days and, surprisingly for MGM, there were no retakes.
Joan Crawford was outspoken as to how often the roles she coveted at MGM were given to Norma Shearer. When approached for comment by the press, Crawford famously remarked, "What do you expect? She sleeps with the boss" - referring to Shearer's husband, MGM production chief Irving Thalberg.
Norma Shearer landing the lead role reportedly did not sit well with Joan Crawford who was also gunning for the role. Reportedly, Crawford never forgave Shearer.
Prior to this film, Norma Shearer primarily had played very "proper", ladylike roles. She was eager to change her image and do parts that were more sensuous, so she launched a campaign to get the part of Jerry. MGM producers were skeptical - none more so than Irving Thalberg, who also was Shearer's husband. To convince him that she could handle a more "sexy" role, Shearer did a photo shoot with her posing provocatively in lingerie, and after seeing the pictures, Thalberg agreed to cast her. The decision paid off, as Shearer won Best Actress at the Academy Awards that year.