Raf Vallone refused to be dubbed in the French version and had his contract amended accordingly. The scenario was also slightly changed to "Italianize" the character of Laurent.
Aged significantly for the role through makeup, Jacques Duby, who turned 31 a week after filming wrapped, had trouble finding interesting parts following the film's success, as, though casting directors were very keen on meeting him, they were expecting someone in their fifties to walk into their office.
Posthumously listed as one of Akira Kurosawa's 100 favorite films.
Marcel Carné claimed that jurors at the 14th Venice International Film Festival didn't give Roland Lesaffre the Best Actor award because they felt he was too young for such an honor.