According to an interview on US DVD, Jack L. Warner originally wanted Humphrey Bogart and Ava Gardner to star in the movie, but André De Toth vehemently protested this. Warner was fed up after a long argument and told De Toth he could make the movie any way he wanted, but it had to be in two weeks, which suited De Toth since he finished under schedule and under budget with his preferred star, Sterling Hayden.
Sims has the habit of chewing on toothpicks and at one point explains that he does this because although he loves cigarettes, his doctor says he can't have them. Sterling Hayden, who portrays Sims, actually had a pack-a-day smoking habit, but director André De Toth wouldn't allow him to smoke on screen in order to get an extra level grumpiness and hostility from Hayden's performance.
Author James Ellroy names this as one of his favorite films. He used Sterling Hayden's performance in this film as the model for the character of vengeful cop, Bud White, in L.A. Confidential (1997).
According to TCM Noir Alley, one of André De Toth's greatest talents as a Director was his extraordinary instinct for casting. His films often featured actors appearing in unexpected roles that, in hindsight, seem inspired. For example, Gene Nelson, well known song-and-dance man, makes his only detour into Film Noir in this movie as lead Steve Lacey.
Reportedly director André De Toth was offered a 35-day shooting schedule, but he told the studio he could complete the film in 15 days. He finished in 13.