Movie critic Stephen Farber listed this movie on his top ten movies of 1977 and wrote "Academy members should be required to see Diana Rigg's entrancing performance before they are allowed to vote for the best supporting actress."
Nominated for a Tony for originating the part Madame Armfeldt in "A little night music", Hermione Gingold was signed to recreate her role in the film version. Sad to say, her part was cut to the bone; among the losses was her tour-de-force number "Liaisons".
Robert Stephens was originally signed to play Frederick Egerman, and began playing it in this movie, but he was replaced after only a few days of shooting by Len Cariou, who had played the part on Broadway. Elizabeth Taylor had insisted on this replacement, citing "insufficent chemistry" between her and Stephens.
There have been many misconceptions about the singing in this film. Elizabeth Taylor does in fact perform her own vocals for "You Must Meet My Wife" and "Send in the Clowns" (in the book "Sondheim and Company," Len Cariou speaks at length of how nervous she was in the booth for the prerecording sessions and how he served as a calming influence in response). Elaine Tomkinson was drafted to dub the singing voice of Chloe Franks, as well as provide the lower-register notes for Lesley-Anne Down, while another ghost singer provided her high notes. Tomkinson also dubbed Taylor's vocals for "Love Takes Time" and its reprise. All other performers sang for themselves.
Diana Rigg was infuriated by Elizabeth Taylor's continual lateness on set, something Taylor was notorious for in the industry. (During the montage that plays under the number "The Glamorous Life," it is worth noting that Taylor's character shows up late for a ceremony and drives civic dignitaries crazy.)