The double-thick Technicolor prints (two strips of dyed film, cemented together) presented numerous screening problems for untrained projectionists. If screened improperly, they would warp, scratch, etc. and due to the expense of printing in Technicolor at this time (since there were no optical printers, or any easier way of printing such technology in those days) forced the Fairbanks studio to issue a black-and-white version as well.
Donald Crisp was the original director, but after a few days of filming had a falling-out with star Douglas Fairbanks and was replaced by Albert Parker.
According to the commentary on the Kino Video DVD, the crew of Douglas Fairbanks' longboat in the climactic chase and battle were members of the crew of the USS Arizona.
The film was conceived visually as a distinct departure from the accomplishments of The Toll of the Sea (1922) because of Douglas Fairbanks's concern that the color element would be too garish and distracting. Fairbanks and his creative team worked on extensive camera tests in order to achieve a more muted, painterly look. The pirate-themed paintings of Howard Pyle were a major influence on the design for the film.
Nino Cochise, grandson of the famous Apache chief Cochise, was an extra in this movie. It was his second extra job in Hollywood, his first one being in Robin Hood (1922). He would appear in three other Hollywood productions.