In an article in the September 15, 1997 edition of "Variety", director George A. Romero noted this film was the inspiration for Night of the Living Dead (1968).
Its original theatrical release in 1962 was a box-office failure. Subsequent airings on late-night television helped it gain a strong cult following. It's now regarded as a landmark in psychological horror.
The damage to the bridge in the opening scene of the film cost Herk Harvey $12. The town of Lecompton, KS, only required the railing of the bridge to be replaced to grant permission to film there.