Deleted from the film score was the bluesy ballad "Can't Teach My Old Heart New Tricks" (music by Richard A. Whiting, lyrics by Johnny Mercer), performed by Frances Langford and Johnnie Davis with Benny Goodman and His Orchestra. Contemporary recordings were made by Miss Langford for Decca Records; and by the Goodman orchestra for the Victor label, featuring vocalist Martha Tilton, who did not appear with the band in the movie.
Ginger Rogers was offered a leading role in this movie, but turned it down.
In some sources, Duane Thompson, a silent screen comedy actress, is erroneously credited with the role of a switchboard operator. The 'Duane Thompson' who appears in this film is a male radio announcer and actor of the 1930's who plays himself, i.e. a radio announcer.
The actual "Hollywood Hotel" on which this movie is based, was a Hollywood institution. It was a sprawling building built at the turn of the century and had formal gardens, grand lobby, 2 towers and a ballroom. It was the hangout for many stars over the years. It was finally torn down in 1956. The site today is occupied by the new Hollywood-Highland shopping complex and Kodak Theater, where the Oscars are now presented every year.
The drive-in restaurant where Dick Powell's character works is called "Callahans" in the film. The actual coffee shop in Hollywood was called "Carpenter's" and was located at the southeast corner of Sunset and Vine Streets. It was one of the earliest "drive-in" restaurants in the U.S. The uniform worn is based on the actual uniforms the mostly male waiters wore. They were based on the uniforms that service station attendants wore. The reason for this new type of restaurant was to cater to the new younger movie star who wanted to be seen in their expensive automobiles. The restaurant was open all night.