The movie was adapted by DeWitt Bodeen from the play by John Van Druten, which was adapted from the novel Mama's Bank Account from Kathryn Forbes. It was directed by George Stevens.
It was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Oskar Homolka), Best Actress in a Leading Role (Irene Dunne), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Barbara Bel Geddes), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Ellen Corby) and Best Cinematography, Black-and-White.
In 1949, a television series, Mama, based on the movie, was produced.