The movie was written by Hans Janowitz and Carl Mayer.
Producer Erich Pommer wanted to have Fritz Lang direct this film, but Lang couldn't work it into his schedule, so it went to Wiene.
German authorities demanded that a prelude and a coda be added to the film so as not to hint that the police might not be upstanding citizens.
The film was much noted for its Expressionist style, with wild, distorted painted sets and harsh lighting.