Originally filmed as "The Sacred Idol," the film was co-produced by Edward Nassour, actor Jeffrey Hunter and David DaLie. The original direction was by DaLie, Ismael Rodríguez and Edward Nassour. After Nassour's death, his brother William sold the film to producer Robert Patrick who had additional scenes filmed with actor Marshall Thompson. In the original version, the music score was composed by Les Baxter and is retained in the later version. A Stereo LP of the score was released on Capital Records (Capital ST1293) and lists Nassour as the films producer on the cover of the album jacket.