William Inge's play had a thirteen-month run on Broadway with Pat Hingle as "Rubin" and Teresa Wright as "Cora." Frank Overton, as Cora's brother-in-law, was the only person from the Broadway production to be cast in the film. Although his appearance in the film has not been confirmed, a February 1960 Hollywood Reporter news item adds Francis De Sales to the cast. Shirley Knight received an Academy Award nomination as Best Supporting Actress for her work in the film.