On 24 November 1923, Motion Picture News announced Principal Pictures was set to adapt Laura Elizabeth Richards’ 1891 novel, Captain January, as the studio’s first vehicle for popular child star Peggy-Jean Montgomery, known to audiences as “Baby” Peggy. Company vice president Irving M. Lesser negotiated acquisition of film rights from publisher L. C. Page & Co., and production was scheduled to begin 21 January 1924.
One month later, however, the 15 December 1923 Motion Picture News suggested that the start date had been moved up, and was now expected to commence early the following week. The item attributed scenario-writing duties to John Grey and director Edward F. Cline, with Eve Unsell serving as a consultant.
A 5 January 1924 Motion Picture News news item stated that lighthouse exteriors were filmed on Light Island at Laguna Beach, CA, while additional sets were built along the shore. According to the 1 January—30 June 1924 issue of Photoplay magazine, several unfortunate incidents befell the cast and crew during production. Baby Peggy immediately became ill with a cold, which set filming behind one week; Hobart Bosworth was bed-ridden for several days after being hit by a violent wave; and director Cline broke three ribs when he tumbled over a cliff. Additionally, actor Lincoln Stedman broke his foot performing a hazardous jump after refusing to use a stunt double, and three crewmembers were robbed on the final night of filming. The 16 February 1924 Exhibitors Trade Review reported that principal photography had concluded the previous week.
The completed picture was previewed at the Criterion Theatre in Santa Monica, CA, as reported by the 3 May 1924 Exhibitors Trade Review. Items in the 19 and 26 July 1924 Moving Picture World reported that the world premiere took place 6 July 1924 at the Mark Strand Theatre in New York City, followed by simultaneous screenings on 14 July 1924 at the Grand Opera House in Pittsburgh, PA, and the Palace Theatre in Philadelphia, PA. The New York City event marked Baby Peggy’s first personal public appearance.
In 1936, Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation released another adaptation of Richards’ work, also titled Captain January (see entry), starring Shirley Temple.
 Captain January was given a 100th anniversary screening on 24 February 2024 at the Kansas Silent Film Festival in Topeka, KS.