Marilyn Monroe was Twentieth Century Fox's original choice for the role of Evelyn Nesbit. She turned down this movie, as well as a planned remake of La calle de las tentaciones (1950) titled "The Girl in Pink Tights" (which was to co-star Dan Dailey and Mitzi Gaynor). As a result, she was put on suspension. The studio also ordered screen tests for Terry Moore and Debra Paget. Sheree North was then announced as her replacement for both movies until Dame Joan Collins was eventually cast as Nesbit. "The Girl in Pink Tights" project was eventually abandoned.
During Thaw's trial the jury was sequestered due to the public and media interest. This was the first known instance of jury sequestration in American history.
Based on one of the most notorious real life murder cases of the 20th century, this film was forced by the Motion Picture Production Code office to jump through hoops, only vaguely hint at some of its plot elements and completely gloss over others, since it dealt with rape, murder and other subjects the Code specifically listed as being forbidden to be depicted on screen at the time.
Aired for the first time on Turner Classic Movies on Tuesday, September 20, 2022.
Joan Collins was coached on her American accent for this film by fellow 20th Century-Fox contract player Jeffrey Hunter. They met three to four times a week up until shooting began, according to Collins in her interview by Dave Karger for TCM's premier of this film.