Initial test screenings were poor, citing the non-linear structure as the main problem. Stanley Kubrick was forced to go back and edit the film in a linear fashion, making the film even more confusing. In the end, it was released in its original form, and is often cited as being a huge influence on other non-linear films like Reservoir Dogs (1992) and Pulp Fiction (1994).
Sterling Hayden was paid $40,000 for his lead role (Jack Palance and Victor Mature were both considered for the part). Stanley Kubrick took no fee as director of the film.
Kirk Douglas was so impressed with this film that he sought out the director for his next project, Les Sentiers de la gloire (1957).
The film was effectively dumped by United Artists, premiering as the second half of a double feature; Richard Fleischer's Bandido caballero ! (1956) was the main film. However, it made Stanley Kubrick's reputation, and Kirk Douglas and Marlon Brando soon hired him.
The location where John Clay (Sterling Hayden) proposes the deal to Maurice Oboukhoff (Kola Kwariani) is a mock-up of the 42nd Street Chess and Checker Parlor in New York City. Director Stanley Kubrick was a regular chess player there, as was Kola.