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This is the last in a series of films that Otto Preminger made as a director-for-hire for Twentieth Century Fox in the 1940s. The series includes Laura (1944), which also stars Gene Tierney and Dana Andrews, Fallen Angel (1945) and Whirlpool (1950).
Tommy Scalise (Gary Merrill) was supposed to be a drug addict, but the Production Code prohibited any use or mention of narcotics.
The only feature film appearance for fashion and costume designer Oleg Cassini, who was married to Gene Tierney at the time. They would divorce in 1952. Reportedly, Cassini talked director Otto Preminger into giving him the part.
Gary Merrill's character Tommy Scalise frequently uses a nasal inhaler, though showing no obvious signs of congestion. Developed in 1928, Benzedrine brand amphetamine was available without prescription by 1934 as a nasal and bronchial decongestant, but it was also noted for its energizing side effects, and stimulating, performance-enhancing qualities. It didn't require a prescription until being classified a Schedule II controlled substance in 1959, which is how Scalise's use of an amphetamine inhaler ducked the Production Code narcotics taboo of the day.
Not only was the traditional Twentieth Century-Fox fanfare music not utilized at the film's opening, Alfred Newman's ubiquitous "Street Scene Theme" is whistled over the unique opening credits, appropriately written in chalk on a sidewalk.
"[to Detective Dixon] Insp. Nicholas Foley: Your job is to detect criminals, not to punish them."
"Martha, Owner of Martha's Cafe: You know, I like places like this that specialize in good food instead of headwaiters. Det. Sgt. Mark Dixon: It's the worst food in town, but don't worry. They usually serve a stomach pump with the dessert. Martha, Owner of Martha's Cafe: Who invited you to come to my restaurant, Mr. Detective? Not me! Det. Sgt. Mark Dixon: Martha's the head of a ring of burglars. My presence makes her nervous. Martha, Owner of Martha's Cafe: Yeah, last night we got a whole basketful of diamonds. You wanna see? Det. Sgt. Mark Dixon: Bring us two of your dangerous dinners, Martha. Martha, Owner of Martha's Cafe: You know how much I've been offered to poison this man? Det. Sgt. Mark Dixon: Ten dollars. Martha, Owner of Martha's Cafe: That's right. I'm holding out for fifteen. Two dinners. Do you want wine? Det. Sgt. Mark Dixon: Bring a small bottle. Martha, Owner of Martha's Cafe: Huh! Same old cheapskate! Morgan Taylor: [after Martha leaves] She adores you, doesn't she? Martha, Owner of Martha's Cafe: She ought to. I sent her husband up. Morgan Taylor: Was he really a burglar? Det. Sgt. Mark Dixon: Wife beater."
