Cloris Leachman's first theatrical film role.
Although Victor Saville is credited as Executive Producer and director Robert Aldrich is credited only as producer, in reality Aldrich had it written into his contract that he had complete control over the picture and it would be made the way he wanted it, specifically stipulating that his decisions could not be overruled by any studio representative.
Filmed in less than 3 weeks.
Memo from United Artists: Mickey Spillane's name must be above the title and in the same type style as appears on the "Kiss Me Deadly" Signet Book Jacket.
The first time Mike listens to Christina Bailey's radio, the piece playing is the first movement of Schubert's Eight Symphony ("Unfinished"). The second time he listens, the first movement to Brahms' First String Quartet is playing.
The Kefauver Commission, a federal unit dedicated to investigating corrupting influences in the 1950s, singled this out as 1955's number one menace to American youth. Because of this, Robert Aldrich felt compelled to conduct a writing campaign for the free speech rights of independent film-makers.
The piano selection playing on the radio during one of the final scenes is Chopin's Revolutionary Etude, Opus 10, No. 12.
Theatrical film debut for Maxine Cooper.