Charles Bickford almost died when a supposedly "tame" lion turned and attacked him. The lion (which was killed by its trainer) sank its teeth into Bickford's throat. Severely injured, Bickford was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery that saved his life.
Much stock footage is later used in Universal Picture Zanzibar (1940). Plot elements are reused also, including particularly the shipwreck, wild animals (including lions) getting loose on the island, the survivors trying to protect themselves from the animals, and some being killed by the big cats, including actor Clarence Muse playing essentially the same role in both films.
Stock footage from the 1933 Universal productions of "Destination Unknown" and "The Big Cage" were utilized in this film.
Universal Pictures production number 745.