The main character is based upon the music hall star Lottie Collins, who popularized the song "Ta-Ra-Ra-Boom-de-Ray" and who also had an illegitimate daughter who grew up to be a famous actress, Jose Collins.
Jessie Matthews and Sonnie Hale were husband & wife during this time (1931-1944). Together they adopted a daughter, Catherine, born in 1935.
Jessie Matthews played both mother and daughter.