This was Tennessee Williams' personal favorite film adaptation of any of his works. Indeed, he claimed in his autobiography that it was the only one that he liked much at all. As the film was a critical failure, Williams's enthusiasm surprised many, but it may be simply because of his fondness for director Jose Quintero (whose only work for the cinema it was) and certain of the actors or because it was not hobbled by censorship issues.
Warren Beatty beat out John Cassavetes, Anthony Newley, Jeffrey Hunter, Ben Gazzara, James Darren, John Saxon, George Hamilton, Fabian, and Frankie Avalon for the role of Paolo.
Vivien Leigh portrays the titular character, Mrs. Stone, while the mysterious "young man" is played by Jeremy Spenser. These two actors previously had starred together in Anna Karenina (1948) with Leigh again playing the titular character, whilst the then eleven-year-old Spenser played Guiseppe.
The many dresses worn by Vivien Leigh were designed by famous French couturier Pierre Balmain. He also dressed the Duchess of Windsor, Katharine Hepburn, and Marlene Dietrich.
Production documents say that Terence Stamp was cast in this film, but there is no sign of him in the final print.