Ann Harding was tested to play the role of Orry Baxter for the initial 1941 production. It was made finally in 1946 with Jane Wyman.

The Oscar-winning character star started filming as Ma Baxter, but problems with the production closed it down and the part was recast when it was resumed.

MGM originally tried to make a film of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' novel in 1941 with Tracy in the lead, but production delays forced the project to be canceled.