When originally sold to television in the 1950s, the title was changed to "Dangerous Female" in order to avoid confusion with its illustrious remake, The Maltese Falcon (1941). Fifty years later, Turner Classic Movies restored its original title card. However, as recently as April 27, 2017, the service used by cable companies to provide data for their viewing guides used the "Dangerous Female" title for TCM's showing of the movie on that date.
Pre-code evident in the scene where Sam, who had left earlier to search Ruth Wonderly's hotel room, returns to his apartment, waking her from her slumbers in his bed. When she sits up, the pillow next to her has a deep depression, making it obvious that she had not slept alone.
Sam Spade has a photograph that may be of actress Louise Brooks hanging above the phone in his living room.
The American Film Institute Catalog of Feature Films 1931-1940 credits the uncredited role of the District Attorney to Oscar Apfel. This is incorrect; the role is played by an unmistakable Morgan Wallace as correctly listed on IMDb.