Eddie Albert delivers a bravura performance as a charismatic villain; other cast members include Jack Elam and Richard Jaeckel.

Gita Hall, "Miss Stockholm of 1953", made her Hollywood film debut as Albert's girlfriend Eva.

Don Siegel, writing about the film in his memoirs, reflected, "There’s an old adage; never make a sea picture with a C budget.

"[2] Sam Martin (Audie Murphy) runs a charter boat with his alcoholic first mate, Harvey (Everett Sloane).

According to Don Siegel, star Audie Murphy had asked him to direct the film and United Artists agreed following the success of Baby Face Nelson.