Writer William Saroyan wanted desperately to direct the film despite having no experience in directing. Louis B. Mayer told Saroyan that he would consider the request and assigned the writer to direct a one-reel short. The short film was a disappointment, and studio stalwart Clarence Brown was promptly assigned. Saroyan was so bitter about the experience that soon afterward he wrote a play about Mayer titled "Get Away, Old Man". He also adapted the story he wrote for the film into a novel, which was published within weeks of the movie premiere and became a best seller.
As of April 2022, 104-year old Marsha Hunt (who plays Diana Steed) and Darryl Hickman (Lionel) were the only surviving cast members.
UPDATE: With Marsha Hunt's passing in September 2022, Darryl Hickman is the only remaining cast member still with us.
The movie the two girls and three soldiers attend is Mrs. Miniver (1942). The movie Lionel is standing in line for is Ship Ahoy (1942). Both movies, of course, are MGM productions.