The filming was postponed because Romy Schneider broke her leg. It began in May 1981, but was interrupted some weeks later. Schneider had a kidney operation and her son David died in July. Schneider's friend, Simone Signoret, convinced her to finish this film after the death of her son. The remaining scenes were shot from October to December.
(According to Director's interview on the DVD bonus)
After the death of her son, insurance companies didn't want to cover Romy Schneider, considering she would probably commit suicide "in the next following days". Director Jacques Rouffio convinced the producers to take the risk and have the film shot without insurance for the main actress. Romy Schneider died (maybe by suicide) a few months after the premiere.
Final acting role of Romy Schneider.
Originally, Schneider's son, David Haubenstock was supposed to play the boy in the movie. After her son's death at the age of 14 in a freak accident, another boy, Wendelin Werner took over the part.