This film marks the final theatrical release for Oliver, as the rest of her career only featured on several television movies and series, before her death in 1990.

Joseph Proctor set up a production company to produce his first film, based on a Michael Janover script, which Lewis agreed to direct and star in.

Lewis set up a studio-like complex in 23 rooms at the Palm Aire Country Club in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and became a joint owner of the production and placed his salary in escrow.

"I have to admit that the awful strain of the past ten years showed in every part of my work," the comedian wrote in Dean and Me: A Love Story.

The clown makeup worn by Lewis in this film was designed by him for 1954's 3 Ring Circus and later reused in 1965's The Family Jewels.

[2] The Europe success and sold out test engagements in Colorado Springs and Wichita, Kansas convinced 20th Century Fox to pick up the independent production for distribution in the United States.

[7][2] The U.S. cut opens with a montage of scenes from earlier Jerry Lewis films,[2] including The Bellboy, Cinderfella, The Errand Boy, Who's Minding the Store?, and The Patsy.