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Low-budget film, "The Screaming Skull", was released to theatres in 1958. The mystery film was directed by Alex Nicol, an actor/director who was quite versatile in his career. Nicol trained at the Fagin School of Dramatic Art, and began acting on stage at the age of 19 with Maurice Evans' Shakespearean Company. A former student of Lee Strasberg's Actors Studio, Nicol was presented with the opportunity to take minor roles in the Broadway productions of "South Pacific" and "Mister Roberts", where he served as the understudy for Henry Fonda. He launched his film career at Universal Studios with the 1950 production of "The Sleeping City" serving as his film debut. The actor was involved in television work as well, making appearances on many popular shows such as "The Twilight Zone" and "The Outer Limits". Nicol featured very few characters in "The Screaming Skull", however, he did manage to allow himself a cameo role in the film as the awkward Mickey.
Peggy Webber plays the role of the emotionally worn Jenni Whitlock. Having begun her career at the age of 2 ½ years old, Webber has spent the majority of her life involved with acting. As a child, Webber would perform during intermissions in silent movie theatres. An ambitious individual, Webber started working in radio at the age of 11 years old and by 18, she was writing, producing, and directing early television shows. The actress was 21 years old when she won an Emmy for her drama anthology series, "Treasures of Literature". Webber, who has appeared in many films and television shows, has appeared in over 100 "Dragnet" programs throughout the course of her career.
John Hudson plays the role of the manipulative husband, Eric Whitlock. Hudson began his acting career by working as a stage performer before moving to Hollywood in the 1940s. Though Hudson experienced few leading roles, he was prominent in supporting roles, and was appreciated for his acting in films such as the 1951 "Bright Victory". Most of Hudson's big roles were in low-budget films like "The Screaming Skull". Because he worked efficiently and inexpensively, Hudson was often asked to work with Jack Webb on the various Webb-produced television series of the 60s and 70s.
The character of Reverend Edward Snow is played by Russ Conway. Having made his film debut in 1948, Conway was most comfortable when playing roles as detectives or military officers. He spent much of his time working in both television and film throughout the 50s and 60s. Conway made many guest appearances on television in series such as "The Munsters" and "The Beverly Hillbillies". The busy actor finally settled in 1959 when he played the role of Lieutenant Pete Kyle on David Janssen's private eye TV weekly, "Richard Diamond".
