Film debut of Giancarlo Giannini. Franco Nero was also considered for the role of Christian, but the filmmakers chose Giannini because they felt he would better convey the intensity they wanted.
Enrico Maria Salerno, the brother of Vittorio Salerno, was originally considered for the role of Paul. Although he was willing to play the role for free, he wanted to wear makeup appliances that would have exceeded the film's budgetary limits.
Christian's car is a 1964 Lancia Flaminia Pininfarina coupe in Bianco Saratoga.