Film debut of Rondo Hatton. NOTE: He was working as a reporter in Tampa, FL, and assigned to report on a film company working in Rocky Point. Director Henry King noticed Hatton's distinctive appearance and persuaded him to appear in the film. King also advised him to quit the newspaper and move to Hollywood, which he did.
In 2022, the longest known surviving version is missing about 10 minutes and runs approximately 83 minutes. This may have been due to later censorship of this pre-code production.
According to the Var review, Hell Harbor was photographed on locations near Tampa, FL.