Double Dynamite

The film began life under the title The Pasadena Story, based on a story by Leo Rosten that director Michael Curtiz had purchased and hired Mel Shavelson to adapt into a screenplay.

In February 1948, Curtiz sold the story and script to Irving Cummings' production company Signet Productions, which initially tried to arrange release through Columbia before securing financing from RKO Pictures.

This was Irving Cummings' first directorial effort since 1944 after a period of illness, and it turned out to be the last film he ever directed.

Filming began on November 22, 1948 under the working title It's Only Money and wrapped on December 22, after which RKO closed the studio as it readjusted following Howard Hughes' purchase of the company.

Although filming finished in December 1948, the film was shelved for several years and not released until 1951.

Howard Hughes, who had just bought RKO and had Jane Russell under contract, changed the title from It's Only Money to Double Dynamite as a cheeky reference to Russell's famous bust.

Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn wrote two duets for Frank Sinatra to perform in the film: 'It's Only Money' with Groucho Marx and the romantic 'Kisses and Tears' with Jane Russell.

Frank Sinatra appeared in the film because he owed RKO a picture under his contract.