The alcohol ration book that is often mentioned in this film was part of Sweden's efforts to control alcohol consumption in that country. It was part of the "Bratt System", named after Ivan Bratt (1878-1956) a politician and physician. The system was officially in place from 1922 to 1955 after the country narrowly voted not to enact a complete ban on alcohol sales, as had been done in the United States during Prohibition from 1920 to 1933.
This film is included in the "Eclipse Series 46: Ingrid Bergman's Swedish Years" DVD set, released by Criterion.
The "Old Town" of the title refers to Gamla Stan, the tiny island within Stockholm that was the original settlement back in 1252. Even today, it's still one of the best preserved medieval city centers in Europe, packed with cobblestone streets, buildings from the 1600s-1700s, and the Royal Palace.
Ingrid Bergman's first speaking role.