Though much more lighthearted than most of his films, according to Ken Russell, this was the most difficult film he ever made.
The characters played by Georgina Hale and Antonia Ellis were initially meant to be a lesbian couple, and scenes were filmed which made this clear. Ken Russell eventually decided that this wouldn't be quite right for "family entertainment" and cut these scenes out; he later said that he regretted this.
The screen rights for the film were originally bought by MGM producer Arthur Freed in 1957 as a star vehicle for Debbie Reynolds. After Reynolds turned the part down, Liza Minnelli was briefly considered for the role of Polly Browne. Freed then shelved the project to concentrate on his Irving Berlin revue, "Say It with Music" (which was never filmed).
According to a modern source, director Ken Russell showed clips of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in-between takes for inspiration, and Twiggy became fascinated by Astaire. In Los Angeles, to promote the film, studio executives asked Twiggy if there was anyone she wanted to meet and she said Astaire. She was told that would be impossible as he was retired and was not seen out much around town. Two hours later Twiggy got a phone call informing her she was invited to tea with the Hollywood legend.
The theatre used in this film was The New Theatre Royal in Portsmouth. This is not the same theatre in which Ken Russell filmed the Pinball Wizard sequence in Tommy (1975), which was filmed at the Kings Theatre in Southsea. Both theatres are still very much active.
Glenda Jackson: The cameo role of Rita Monroe played by Jackson was originally offered to Julie Andrews, who had originated the role of Polly Browne on Broadway in 1954.