This film is often cited as a direct inspiration for the Indiana Jones franchise of films, with many of its scenes bearing a striking resemblance in tone and structure to scenes in "Raiders of the Lost Ark". Throughout the film, the main character, Harry Steele, can be seen wearing the "Indiana Jones" outfit - brown leather jacket, fedora, tan trousers, and revolver.
This was the final theatrical film of veteran actor Robert Young, who thereafter moved exclusively into television, where he enjoyed a highly successful career for over 30 years.
"Lux Radio Theater" broadcast a 60 minute radio adaptation of the movie on
December 14, 1954 with Charlton Heston reprising his film role.
Three well-known TV actors appear in this film - Marion Ross (Mrs. Cunningham from Happy Days) is one of Harry Steele's tourists in the opening scene; Leon Askin (General Burkhalter from Hogan's Heroes)
plays the Russian official sent to Cuzco, and Robert Young (Dr. Marcus Welby MD) plays the chief archaeologist at Machu Pichu.
The opening music was used during the "human trampoline" beach party scene in "The Big Lebowski".