Rev. James K. Friedrich produced this picture in order to portray a "correct" version of the crucifixion. After PCA censor Joseph Breen voiced concerns about the onscreen representation of Jesus, producer John T. Coyle decided to eliminate Jesus as an onscreen character and to use the camera's point of view to represent him instead. The picture was not released nationally until 1941, but had its previews in Joplin, MO, and at the Ambassdor Theater in Los Angeles on 2 Oct. 1939