Benedict and Nancy Freedman's novel was based on the real-life adventures of Mrs. Michael (Katherine Mary) Flannigan, who traveled to the Canadian northwoods in 1905. The novel was published in 1947, while also appearing serially in Atlantic Monthly (Feb--Apr 1947). Regal Films, Inc. was jointly owned by Dick Powell, Sam Bischoff and Edward Gross. According to an Aug 1948 Var news item, RKO head Howard Hughes first considered releasing the picture. According to Var, June Allyson (who was married to Powell) was considered for the starring role. Also considered for roles were Barbara Bel Geddes, Peggy Cummins, Barbara Bates, Joanne Dru, Betsy Drake and Diana Lynn. Mrs. Mike appeared on HR production charts for a three-and-a-half month period from late Mar 1949 to mid-Jul 1949. Beginning on 2 Jun 1949, however, the production was halted for approximately three weeks due to script revisions. On 17 May 1949, HR reported that the producers had called for 100 square dancers to be used in the film. A 4 May 1949 HR news item notes that Sherman Saunders was scheduled to be the square dance caller, but his participation in the released film has not been confirmed. Studio press information and DV credit Lee Zavitz with special effects, although J. R. Rabin is credited onscreen in that capacity. In Sep 1948, HR reported that Yellow Knife, Canada and Samuel Goldwyn Studios were being considered for locations and studios, but they have not been confirmed. As noted in HR, portions of the film were shot in Alberta, Canada and Sun Valley, ID. A 27 Sep 1949 HR news item notes that National Screen Service was preparing six two-minute television trailers to promote the film. As reported in Virginia Wright's column in DV on 17 May 1947, Katherine Flannigan, then a widow, came to Hollywood in 1945 and submitted a story outline to agent Laura Wilk; Wilk turned down the story, but saw potential in Flannigan's life story, and paired her up with the young husband and wife writing team of Benedict and Nancy Freedman. In the spring of 1951, Katherine Flannigan sued the film's producers and the authors for an unpaid balance of $25,000 due to her for the rights to her story. The suit was dropped on 23 Jul 1951 on the basis that only the Freedmans, not the producers, were contractually bound to Flannigan. Dick Powell reprised his role in a Lux Radio Theatre broadcast on 24 Apr 1950, co-starring Gene Tierney.