Roger Corman decided to do an H.P. Lovecraft story as a break from his Edgar Allan Poe series while keeping the elements that made it successful. American-International took no chances. It gave the film a "Poe" title and marketed it as another in the series.
Completed April 1963, and the only film teaming Vincent Price and Lon Chaney, other than Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein.
The footage scene of the castle interior is similar to the scene in The Raven movie, which was directed by Roger Corman as well. Also the shots of castle from outside under thunder and lightning, and waves breaking of rocks appear in both movies.