On 10 Feb 1923, Moving Picture World reported the acquisition of film rights for William Archer’s 1921 stage play by Distinctive Pictures Corporation. Actor George Arliss, who starred in the play for the previous three years, reprised his role on screen. The 5 May 1923 Moving Picture World announced that actress Alice Joyce was cast in a lead role following a two-year hiatus from acting. Dancer Roshanara was originally cast as “Ayah,” but later replaced by Jetta Goudal. Two weeks later, the 19 May 1923 Moving Picture World stated that filming was in progress at the former Biograph studio lot in Bronx, New York. The headline incorrectly credited “Goldwyn” as producer. However, The Goldwyn Company distributed the film, in association with Cosmopolitan Pictures.
       According to the 2 Jun 1923 Moving Picture World, Distinctive constructed “an entire section of a Himalayan mountain town” on a hillside behind the lot. The set included “bazaars and public buildings,” as well as a palace surrounded by a 100-foot wall. Art director Clark Robinson reportedly studied “Hindoo” architecture for several months prior to designing the set, and was aided by scenic painter Frank Muchmore and technical advisor Roshanara. A follow-up article in the 23 Jun 1923 Moving Picture World heralded the film as Distinctive’s largest production to date, with sets occupying approximately 75,000 square feet. Principal photography concluded in Jul 1923, as stated in the 14 Jul 1923 Moving Picture World. Arliss completed his work one week ahead of the other principal actors.
       On 4 Aug 1923, Moving Picture World announced the 12 Aug 1923 world premiere at the Sam H. Harris Theatre in New York City. Distinctive Pictures president Arthur S. Friend leased the theater for an undetermined run, beginning 14 Aug 1923. The following day, the 15 Aug 1923 FD noted that screenings were preceeded by “an elaborate prologue.” The Green Goddess opened to critical and public acclaim. An editorial in the 25 Aug 1923 Moving Picture World encouranged reluctant exhibitors to rent the film, guaranteeing its entertainment value, despite its “highbrow” reputation. Critic F. W. Mordaunt Hall placed it among the best pictures of the year, as stated in the 29 Sep 1923 Moving Picture World. The 3 Nov 1923 Moving Picture World reported earnings of nearly $54,000 in the initial week of the film’s run at New York City’s Capitol Theatre.
       The premiere print was 9,600 feet in length, although the 19 Aug 1923 FD predicted the release print would comprise eight reels. Months later, a review in the 15 Dec 1923 Moving Picture World revealed that the picture had only been shortened by 500 feet.
       The play The Green Goddess, was also the basis of a sound and dialogue film of the same name produced by Warner Bros. in 1930. That film was directed by Alfred E. Green and also starred George Arliss and Alice Joyce.