The film was directed by Erich von Stroheim, starred Gloria Swanson, in the title role, Walter Byron as her lover, and Seena Owen.

[citation needed] This version had an alternate ending directed by Richard Boleslawski and filmed by cinematographer Gregg Toland.

She is embarrassed when he makes a comment after seeing that her underwear is visible, so she takes it off and throws it at him, to the horror of the nuns, who punish her for her "indecency".

In the original ending, Kelly goes to German East Africa to visit her dying aunt and is forced to marry a repulsive man named Jan.

In the alternate ending, Kelly dies in despair after her humiliation at the hands of the queen and a contrite Wolfram visits her body.

The film was not released theatrically in the United States, but it was shown in Europe and South America with the 'Swanson ending' added.

Kino remains the rights holder and is responsible for all distribution, including television and home video.