A Free Soul is based upon author Adela Roger’s St. Johns semi-autobiographical novel of the same name. Continuing Norma Shearer’s string of successful pre-code films, this is her first pairing with Clark Gable. As the daughter of a famous criminal attorney, Shearer makes it clear her interest in Gable’s character is purely physical. Leslie Howard plays her polo playing fiancé. Lionel Barrymore would go on to win a Best-Supporting Academy Award for his performance as Shearer’s father. Gable had recently been paired with several MGM female stars, but his casting with Shearer cemented his star on the rise status. Shearer and Gable would go on to two more pairings.