This was Wallace Beery's first picture after The Big House rejuvenated his career. Irving Thalberg of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer had chosen Beery for the role of "Butch" in The Big House after Lon Chaney, who had been previously cast in the part, was diagnosed with terminal cancer.
This marked a turning point in Wallace Beery's film career, coming after The Big House helped revitalize his profession. Irving Thalberg of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer chose Beery for the role of "Butch" in The Big House when Lon Chaney, who had been initially cast, was diagnosed with terminal cancer.