[1] Noticing Jean Harlow in the background of a Laurel and Hardy film, actor Marc Peters tips off studio mogul Jonathan Martin, who arranges a screen test.

Family and studio demands unnerve Harlow, as does her impulsive wedding to the impotent and suicidal Paul Bern.

Judy Garland was originally cast in the role of Jean Harlow's mother, but left the film after just four days of shooting.

[2] In a contemporary review for The New York Times, critic Howard Thompson called the film "cheap, lusterless and excruciatingly dull" and a "bony, bargain-basement appraisal of famous, misguided and tragic young woman.

"[4] Harlow grossed approximately $2 million, but Electronovision, Inc. did not realize a profit after shares were paid to the film's distributors and investors, including actor Richard Burton.