Debbie Reynolds liked the film, later stating "that little comedy made $5,500,000, pulled RKO out of the red and then Howard Hughes sold the studio".
In addition to being Dick Powell's final film as an actor, this was also the only colour film in which he appeared.
Debbie Reynolds later admitted having "a mad crush" on Dick Powell. "He taught me common courtesy and to treat my crew and colleagues with equal respect."
When Mark sees Virgil in his naval officer's uniform, he calls him "Mister Roberts". This is a reference to the Broadway play of the same name that ran for 1157 performances from 1948 to 1951 and would be made into the film Mister Roberts (1955). In fact, Alvy Moore, who played Virgil, performed on Broadway in "Mister Roberts" (replacing David Wayne as Ensign Pulver) and toured with Henry Fonda in the play in the late 40s. Virgil's rank was Lieutenant, Junior Grade (LTJG, O2), which was the same as that of Mister Roberts.
In joke: During opening narration, an Oscar statuette makes reference to "Louella" - gossip columnist Louella Parsons, mother of film's producer Harriet Parsons.
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