The film was made for the 400th anniversary of Paracelsus' death in 1541.
After Heinrich Fraenkel returned from his exile, he met with Georg Wilhelm Pabst to collaborate on the film. Fraenkel said he didn't like the film even though Werner Krauss was selected to take the lead role. Pabst reportedly responded, "Neither do I."
While not mentioned in the movie, except for being in Germany, the story actually takes place in Basel, Switzerland in the 1520s. It is mentioned by the people who appear in the movie, including Erasmus von Rotterman, Johann Froben etc. It is mentioned that Mainau is nearby. It is also mentioned that America was discovered 30 years ago.
One of the merchants said that he came into the town safely, thanks to the Holy Rochus. Rochus of Montpellier, also known as the holy Rochus, was a Catholic Saint, who was known for helping many pilgrims on the way to Rome who were sick of the plague.
The movie had its premiere in Salzburg, Austria, because Paracelsus died in this city.
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