This film was based on Aaron Davis’s 1926 short story of the same name. Various contemporary news items, including the 28 Dec 1929 Exhibitors Herald-World, reported that production began on 13 Dec 1929 at Fox Film Corp.’s West Coast studios in Los Angeles, CA. The following month, an item in the 31 Jan 1930 Exhibitors Daily Review and Motion Pictures Today indicated that shooting was still underway, and announced a title change from The Golden Calf to The Unknown Beauty; however, the film was released as The Golden Calf.
       A general release date of 16 Mar 1930 was set. Prior to theatrical release in Virginia, state authorities ordered three objectionable scenes to be removed, according to the 3 May 1930 Motion Picture News.
       Six foreign-language versions were made for overseas distribution. The 5 Jul 1930 Exhibitors Herald-World stated that the foreign-language edits were officiated by Valdemar Larsen for Sweden and Denmark; Fritz Stephani for Germany; Frank Puglia for Italy; Rena Cardona for Spain; and Henri Paillai for France.
       Prior to this version, Kane Studios and First National Pictures, Inc., had planned to make a screen adaptation of Aaron Davis’s “The Golden Calf,” starring Ben Lyon, according to an 8 Jul 1927 Motion Picture News item. However, the 12 May 1928 Harrison’s Reports noted that First National had replaced the project with The Whip Woman (1928, see entry).
       Ziegfeld Follies performer Noel Francis was named as a cast member in the 8 Dec 1929 Film Daily. ...