Despite several failed attempts to film the novel "The Catcher in the Rye," this remains the only film adaptation of a fictional work written by J.D. Salinger. It was adapted from his short story "Uncle Wiggily in Connecticut," found in the volume "Nine Stories." Salinger was incredibly disappointed with the changes made to his original story and never again allowed any of his work to be adapted for film.
Teresa Wright was originally cast as Eloise Winters, but after a dispute with producer Samuel Goldwyn, she was replaced at the last minute by Susan Hayward. Hayward went on to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, but lost to Olivia de Havilland for her performance in The Heiress (1949).
Reunites Dana Andrews and Susan Hayward, who starred in Jacques Tourneur's western Canyon Passage (1946). Tourneur and this movie's director, Mark Robson, got their breaks working for producer Val Lewton.
"Lux Radio Theater" broadcast a 60-minute radio adaptation of the movie on
August 28, 1950, with Susan Hayward and Dana Andrews reprising their film roles.
Mark Robson was the editor of producer Val Lewton's Cat People (1942), which featured this movie's co-star, Kent Smith. Robson then directed Youth Runs Wild (1944), again for Lewton, which also featured Kent Smith.