Producer Julian Blaustein sought a story that could discuss grave issues like nuclear fear through science fiction. He reviewed over two hundred short stories before finding Harry Bates' 1940 tale Farewell to the Master.
The final screenplay by Edmund H. North was completed on the 21st of February 1951. Science fiction writer Raymond F. Jones served as an uncredited adviser during development.
Principal photography took place between April 9 and the 23rd of May 1951 at Fox sound stages. A second unit filmed background scenes in Washington D.C. and Fort George G. Meade in Maryland.
Composer Bernard Herrmann chose unusual instrumentation including three electric violins cellos and basses. Two theremin electronic instruments were played by Dr. Samuel Hoffman and Paul Shure.
The Library of Congress selected the film for preservation in the National Film Registry in 1995. It ranked number eighty-two on the American Film Institute's list of one hundred most thrilling films.