- Career Resurrection: Since the death of his wife and performing partner Gracie Allen a decade earlier, George Burns had struggled to make it as a solo comedian. This film, along with Oh, God!, catapulted him back into the spotlight as a beloved veteran entertainer, where he stayed until his death at age 100.
- Real Song Theme Tune: The film opens and closes with instrumental versions of "Make 'em Laugh", from Singin' in the Rain.
- What Could Have Been:
- Jack Benny was originally supposed to play Al Lewis in the film, but had to withdraw due to the pancreatic cancer that took his life soon afterward. The role instead went to Benny's close friend and contemporary George Burns.
- Milton Berle, Phil Silvers, and Red Skelton were all considered for the role of Willy Clark in the film before it went to Walter Matthau.
- Steve Lawrence, Ted Bessell, and David Steinberg were all considered to play Ben Clark in the film before the part went to Richard Benjamin.
- Paramount made a bid for the film rights, but Neil Simon turned them down because they wanted to use it as a vehicle for Bob Hope and Bing Crosby and Simon felt they couldn't "play Jewish" enough for the roles.
- Woody Allen was asked to direct the movie, but declined due to wanting to play the Al Lewis role instead. He would get his wish with the remake 20 years later.
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