Director J. Lee Thompson was married to the writer of the book this film is based on, Joan Henry. They met while Thompson was filming _Weak and the Wicked, The (1953)_ which was also based on a novel by Joan Henry.
The film is based loosely around the true life story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman executed in Britain for murder. Diana Dors had earlier appeared opposite Ellis when the latter played a bit part in "Lady Godiva Rides Again".