Prior to filming, one late Friday afternoon, Robert Preston was ushered into Irwin Allen's office for a casual meeting and discussion. While Irwin was talking, Preston dozed off into a nap. Irwin stood at his desk, walked out of the office to check with his secretary and with his Art Director. Returning to his desk, he sat waiting, Preston awakened, and Irwin continued his conversation. Again, Preston dosed off asleep. About five minutes, Preston revived, and again the conversation resumed. After the meeting, Irwin Allen had his Production Manger take Preston over to the St. John's Hospital for a complete medical checkup. Irwin didn't want Robert Preston bailing out on him in the middle of the film shoot.
This was Irwin Allen's last completed film production before he retired.
The courtroom set was a standing feature set, designed by Gene Callahan, which had not been struck. Taking advantage of the budget savings, Irwin Allen and Columbia Pictures dictated the use of the standing set for the court room scenes. The major expense for using the set was for filling the enormous room with extra casting.
Irwin and Sheila Allen's friend, actress Elizabeth Rogers, played the main news reporter. This was her last TV appearance.
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