Hugh Allan, a handsome but very inexperienced young actor, was originally cast in the lead male role. He proved unable to carry the part, so the producers let him go, covering with a fake story that he had broken his arm during production. He even got a fake cast for a publicity photo. Allan was grateful for Mary Pickford's kindness and remained on good terms with her.
The film was restored in 2014 from Mary Pickford's personal 35mm tinted nitrate print and contains longer scenes, different camera set-ups and better shots of Mary as well as special tinting effects not seen in any previously available versions.
The new restoration was first shown as part of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' annual "Mary Pickford Celebration of Silent Film." Film historian and author Jeffrey Vance hosted the event and discussed Pickford and the film. Michael Pogorzelski, director of the Academy Film Archive, spoke of the film's restoration process.
Helen Keller visited the set at one point and posed for publicity photos with Mary Pickford and the cast.
Although the character Mary Pickford is playing is 12 years old, Pickford was actually 32 at the time.
An enormous detailed set was constructed at what was then called the Pickford-Fairbanks Studios lot to recreate The Bowery in lower Manhattan, New York City.