Gale Sondergaard made her film debut in "Anthony Adverse" and won an Academy Award in the brand-new category of Best Supporting Actress.
The film required 131 sets, including a 12-acre African compound built on the studio back lot--the largest set that had ever been constructed.
At the time it the most expensive film Warner Brothers had ever made--and, at 141 minutes, the longest.
Humphrey Bogart tested for the role of Napoleon; Bette Davis and Kitty Carlisle were among the many others who auditioned for roles.
Tony Curtis was a huge fan of the book. He changed his name from Bernard Schwartz to Tony Curtis in homage to the lead character and was even buried with a copy of the novel.