Most Paramount films prior to 1950 are now owned by Universal, with this one being one of the exceptions.  MGM acquired it when they bought the rights to the story, which they then filmed with Spencer Tracy in the lead role.  The latest DVD release features both of these versions.

John Barrymore played the characters in a silent version in 1920.

Frederic March won his Best Actor Oscar by one vote, and was due to be the sole recipient until a furious Louis B. Mayer reminded the Academy that, under the rules at the time, a tie was to be awarded if another nominee came within three votes of the total.  Mayer was of course keen to see Wallace Beery rewarded for his performance in The Champ, an MGM film, and thus the two actors received Oscars on the night.