Curiosidades

Though frequently shown on television throughout the 1970s, the film disappeared from circulation for nearly thirty years, one of very few Columbia star vehicles the studio neglected to release on Betamax, VHS or laserdisc. There was no legal wrangle at the core of this; the film simply fell out of favor and was largely forgotten. In recent years, the movie has returned to circulation, enjoying multiple releases on DVD and Blu-ray.

Though having retired from dancing roles, Fred Astaire's agility served him well for the stunts of this film, particularly in the scene in which he shadows his quarry (Kim Novak) through Slaughterhouse Lane. It is clearly Astaire who climbs up and over the cemetery gate and takes a headlong dive into the open grave.

Larry Gelbart's film writing debut.

Director Richard Quine, who got his start as a performer in movie musicals, makes clever use of Fred Astaire's legendary, distinctive walk by having Astaire stride directly toward the camera every time the scene shifts to the embassy.

Jack Lemmon's father appears in the movie in a non-speaking role.