The real-life incident on which the film is supposedly based, but to which it bears no factual resemblance whatsoever, involved Lt. Rowan's relatively safe trip to Cuba carrying an oral (not written) message to Gen. Garcia from William McKinley that the US was declaring war on Spain and was eager to have Garcia's cooperation.
Rita Hayworth played the sister of Barbara Stanwyck, but after a test screening all her scenes were cut at the request of Darryl F. Zanuck.
President William McKinley is portrayed on screen by Dell Henderson, but with the dubbed voice of John Carradine.