Filming began with Jeffrey Hunter in the lead, but a serious case of hepatitis caused him to be replaced by George Nader after one day of shooting.
In the UK and South Africa this was re-titled "The Big Story" as the title "Appointment with a Shadow" had been applied there to an earlier Universal release, "The Midnight Story".
Debut of actress Joanna Moore.
Joanna Moore and Brian Keith both died in 1997, five months apart.
Virginia Field dances to the song "Empty Arms" that was performed by Susan Kohner in "Imitation of Life" (1959), two years later.