The story was based on a historical incident involving the kidnapping of Ion Perdicaris, an American expatriate living in Tangier (changed to a woman for the movie). However, the two children, the American attack on the Bashaw's palace in Tangier, and the climactic battle between the American and German forces, were all inventions of writer and director John Milius.
After receiving a list of BBFC requests to remove horse falls, writer and director John Milius withdrew this movie from intended U.K. video release in 1990, and claimed that no animal cruelty had taken place. His claim was supported by stuntman Terry Leonard, who threatened to sue the BBFC for besmirching his professional reputation.
According to Nadia Sawalha, Nadim Sawalha tried to coach Sir Sean Connery to do an Arabic accent, but gave up after three days.
Sir Sean Connery was so impressed with writer and director John Milius that he requested his services as a script doctor for À la poursuite d'Octobre Rouge (1990).
Stunt coordinator Terry Leonard did most of the action horse scenes, and can be seen as President Theodore Roosevelt's (Brian Keith's) sparring partner in the boxing scene.
John Milius: He can be seen as the one-armed German officer who gives the Sultan his Maxim gun to test-fire ("Herr Sultan is displeased?"). He said he wanted to look like a waiter.
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