This was one of the few Hollywood films of the era not to have a musical score. The opening credits are shown to the accompaniment of traffic noises and the tolling of a bell.
While the practice of including a large, all-star cast had been popular in the 1930s, particularly with films such as Grand Hotel (1932) and Dinner at Eight (1933), it was a relatively rare occurrence in the 1950s. Producer John Houseman admitted many years after the film's production that the decision to cast so many recognizable stars was part of an effort by MGM to compete with the soaring popularity of television.
Producer John Houseman wanted Henry Fonda for the role of McDonald Walling. Fonda turned him down to star as Doc in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Broadway musical "Pipe Dream." Ironically, though Fonda engaged in singing lessons for months ahead of time, Rodgers and Hammerstein ultimately decided that his voice was not strong enough to grant him the role, which freed Fonda to recreate his iconic stage role in the screen version of Mister Roberts (1955).
In an interview with TCM, Nina Foch said she resented being cast in such a minor role. When she spoke with director Robert Wise about wanting out of doing this film, he advised her to "make the most" of the opportunity - and she wound up getting her only Academy Award nomination (as Best Supporting Actress) for her performance.
The Tredway Corporation headquarters building seen in exterior shots is actually the Pennsylvania Power & Light (PPL) building in Allentown, Pennsylvania.