The initial inspiration for 13 Ghosts came while William Castle and his wife were driving through France. Seeing a dilapidated house for sale, Castle dreamed up the gimmick to give away a haunted house as a promotion for his next film.

William Castle's brainstorm for the "Illusion-O" gimmick of special "ghost-viewers" came during a visit to his ophthalmologist.

Child actor Charles Herbert was lured to appear in 13 Ghosts with the promise of top billing.

When Lee Strasberg student Jo Morrow pestered William Castle for her motivation in one scene, Castle snapped "Your motivation is that I'm the director and I'm the producer and if you don't go over there I'm gonna fire your ass."

During shooting, Morrow clashed further with Castle and the costuming department over her distaste for wearing brassieres.

Veteran Hollywood heavy Roy Jenson plays one of the 13 ghosts.

While filming the ghost lion scene, the female sprayed the entire crew, forcing the cameraman to use a sheet of plywood as a shield.

Compiled by Richard Harland Smith

SOURCES:
Archival interview with Martin Milner
Interview with Jo Morrow by Tom Weaver, Science Fiction and Fantasy Film Flashbacks: Conversations with 24 Actors, Writers, Producers and Directors from the Golden Age
Interview with Robb White by Tom Weaver, Return of the B Science Fiction and Horror Heroes