The play opened on Broadway in New York City, New York, USA on 8 September 1920 and closed in June 1921 after 303 performances. The opening night cast included Genevieve Tobin as Pat O'Day, Douglas Wood, as Cornelius Vanderbuilt and Donald Meek.
The movie originally did not include any songs in order to emphasize Alice Faye's acting ability, but one song was added when her fans complained. However, her participation in the performance of that song was minimal.
Studio mechanics built a replica of Fulton's two-cycle engine and paddle-wheel of the Clermont, following notes in his diaries. The studio also built 3 huge sailing ships and 25 smaller boats for the production.
In the original play and movie ('Little Old New York (1923)'), Pat O'Day comes to America disguised as her deceased brother Patrick to claim an inheritance left to him. This was eliminated from this movie.
'North River Steamboat' is the actual name of the historic steamboat upon which this film is based, and it was never known as 'Clermont' in its era. The vessel operated on the Hudson River from 1807 to 1814.