Star George Arliss and Edward Arnold did not get along at all on this film, with Arnold charitably describing working with Arliss as "a trying experience".
In the film, Richelieu is depicted doting on his cat, Mistigris (the 'Joker' in a pack of cards). By the 18C, his fondness for cats had become an established part of his legend. It has been claimed that he had at least 14 cats at the time of his death in 1642: Gazette, Rubis sur l'Ongle, Pyramus and Thisbe (inseparable), Serpolet (Wild Thyme), Felimare, Soumise, Lucifer, Ludovic le Cruel, Lodoïska, Mimi-Paillon (possibly previously Mademoiselle de Gournay's cat), Mounard le Fougueux, Perruque and Racan (twins, allegedly born in the academician Racan's wig), and Gavroche. The cat which figures in the posters for this film is black, and does not resemble the screen Mistigris, who appears to be a fluffy calico.
"Lux Radio Theater" broadcast a 60 minute radio adaptation of the movie on
January 23, 1939 with George Arliss, Cesar Romero and Douglass Dumbrille reprising their film roles.
Even in one single short scene lasting only a few seconds, John Carradine earns his very first on screen credit as 'John Carradine.'
The play first opened in London in 1839; then on Broadway in New York City, New York, USA on 4 September 1839 with Edwin Forrest as the title character. There were 12 Broadway revivals, the last in 1929.