The film was directed by Lloyd Corrigan from a screenplay by Seton I. Miller and Robert Benchley based on the 1933 novel The Puzzle of the Pepper Tree by Stuart Palmer.

When he is found dead upon landing, it appears to be murder to fellow passenger Hildegarde Withers, but she has a tough time convincing local police chief Britt and coroner Dr. O'Rourke.

When she contacts her friend, Police Inspector Oscar Piper, for more information about the deceased, he recognizes the name: the man was a vital witness in a case against a crime syndicate and had a price on his head of $10,000.

While Piper questions those involved, Withers discovers that McArthur, the gangster who had offered the reward for Forrest's death, has registered at the hotel under the flimsy alias of Arthur Mack.

[3] Some scenes for the film were shot on Santa Catalina Island, a well-known resort 26 miles off the California coast.