Jack Palance originally was hired for the role of "Mr. Brown", but after clashing with the producers (because they would not cast his wife in the film per an article in the 13 August 1954 edition of Daily Variety), he left the production. Before leaving, he recommended they hire Richard Conte to replace him, which they did.
The scene with Diamond and Bettini is one continuous shot lasting just over 5 minutes. The next scene, in the antique shop, is also continuous at just under 5 minutes.
Unusually for a film noir of this period, the score is not orchestral but jazz.