Jean Harlow's death two-thirds of the way through production was only the first disaster to hit this film. The second, according to a biography of Lionel Barrymore (part of Hollis Alpert's book 'The Barrymores') came when Lionel tripped over a lighting cable and re-broke his hip just before filming wrapped. Barrymore was confined to a wheelchair for the next decade (in addition to the hip injuries, he suffered from arthritis of the knees) before he lost considerable weight and was able to walk with much difficulty for a few more pictures.
Clark Gable advised MGM executives of the star potential of Edward James Flanagan (better known as Dennis O'Keefe), who had a small part in this movie. O'Keefe was finally given a co-starring role in The Bad Man of Brimstone.
In May of 1937, with the film about 90% completed, Jean Harlow collapsed on the set and died about a week later, reportedly of uremic poisoning. Her remaining scenes were shot with double Mary Dees being filmed only from behind. Paula Winslowe supplied the voice.
MGM executives planned to shelve the movie or re-shoot Harlow's scenes, possibly with Virginia Bruce or Jean Arthur, but the reaction of the audience at a preview in late June and a barrage of fan mail urging release of Harlow's last film changed their minds.