Universal's 7th Crime Club Mystery. In 1937, Universal had entered into a deal with the pulp mystery publisher to produce up to 4 of it's novels annually as B-pictures. A total of 11 were actually produced.
Shooting began mid October, 1938, released Jan. 6, 1939.
Part of the original Shock Theater package of 52 Universal titles released to television in 1957, followed a year later with Son of Shock, which added 20 more features.