David O. Selznick wrote the story, using the pseudonym Oliver Jeffries, basing it loosely on the scandal of the 1931 marriage between torch singer Libby Holman and tobacco heir Zachary Smith Reynolds, and his death by a gunshot wound to the head.

[2]Musical stage star Mona Leslie, jailed for reckless driving, is bailed out by her friend, sports promoter, and gambler Ned Riley, to headline a charity event.

Both Ned and Mona are subjected to a coroner's inquest and suspected of murder, but Bob's death is ruled a suicide.

She offers to give up her inheritance of one million dollars if Colonel Harrison will agree not to seek custody of her child.

To support her son, Mona tries to go back to work, but outraged people organize a campaign against her and nobody will hire her other than a sleazy promoter who wants to take advantage of her notoriety.

Jean Harlow's voice was dubbed by vocalist Virginia Verrill who also performed songs in Suzy and The Goldwyn Follies.

Ten writers, including Joseph Mankiewicz, Philip Barry, S. N. Behrman, and Val Lewton had some involvement, but only P. J. Wolfson gained a credit for the final script.

His review, however, observed: "It would be pleasant to report that Reckless is the whirlwind comedy which such a merger would lead us to expect.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer has taken the screen's liveliest comedienne and chased her through a stale and profitless meringue of backstage routines and high society amour.