Reportedly, this movie's source author James A. Michener did not like this filmed version of his novel and took legal action against the production. The adaptation strayed a long way from the novel's storyline. The book's main character, a fugitive Nazi war criminal, was removed completely, and did not appear in the movie. There were numerous other story elements which were left out from the novel, these inciting a response from Michener.
This movie was shot entirely in Iran, including locations near the Iran-Afghanistan border.
The final movie to be shown as part of Radio City Music Hall's Christmas show.
According to Halliwell's, "The film cost fourteen million dollars and is said to have been financed by the Shah of Iran."