On 28 Feb 1926, Film Daily announced the acquisition by De Mille Pictures Corp. of screen rights for Egerton Castle’s 1899 novel, Young April. The property had been chosen as a starring vehicle for actor Joseph Schildkraut. Writers Jeanie Macpherson and Douglas Doty were currently working on the adaptation. Although the 18 Apr 1926 Film Daily noted that Rupert Julian was being considered as director, the job ultimately went to Donald Crisp, as stated in the 18 May 1926 issue. The 5 Jun 1926 Motion Picture News reported the recent start of principal photography at DeMille Studios in Culver City, CA. Joseph Schildkraut and his father, Rudolph Schildkraut, were cast in roles reflecting their real-life relationship, which the article claimed to be a first in the history of cinema. A news item in the 22 Jun 1926 Film Daily indicated that production had been completed several days earlier. Editing was underway by 10 Jul 1926, as stated in that day’s edition of Motion Picture News.
       Young April made its New York City debut on 1 Sep 19216at the Hippodrome Theatre, inaugurating the venue’s new policy of screening films along with the usual vaudeville program. According to the 11 Sep 1926 Motion Picture News, the theatre was currently serving as a “first-run house” for releasing company Producers Distributing Corp. A general release followed on 11 Oct 1926 to somewhat mixed reviews. Although critics were generally enthusiastic about the cast, some were less effusive about the hackneyed plot concerning royals from mythical kingdoms.
       The 16 Oct 1926 Moving Picture World reported that a scene in the film inspired a young couple in Canton, OH, to hold their wedding ceremony on an airplane.