The film was banned in Israel and the Soviet Union because of its uncommon, compassionate portrayal of Germans during WWII.
Douglas Sirk and Erich Maria Remarque became close friends during the shooting. Later, in Switzerland, they were even neighbors.
This is one of few American films which portray World War II main characters, who were the enemy, in a human light.
Erich Maria Remarque: The author of the original source novel appears as Professor Pohlmann in the film.