Young Gene was cast to play Jody Baxter after a nationwide search. However, when the production recommenced after a series of problems, the young actor had grown and it was decided to recast the part.

Ann Harding was tested to play the role of Orry Baxter for the initial 1941 production. It was made finally in 1946 with Jane Wyman.

The Oscar-winning character star started filming as Ma Baxter, but problems with the production closed it down and the part was recast when it was resumed.

MGM originally tried to make a film of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' novel in 1941 with Tracy in the lead, but production delays forced the project to be canceled.