The play opened in New York City, New York, USA on 19 September 1927 and had 144 performances. The opening night cast included Edward Keane, William Pawley, Lee Strasberg and Charles Wagenheim.

MGM originally announced Clark Gable for the lead and Mae Clarke for the role of "Shirley", but neither was in the movie. A contemporary news item also listed Christian Rub and Henry Wadsworth as cast members, but these actors were also not in the movie.