This is a flawed film. In real life, Frank Sinatra had (generously) taken Steve McQueen "under his wing". At the time, Steve was primarily known to fans as "Josh Randall" from his hit TV series, "Wanted: Dead or Alive" (1958-1961). Fortunately, director Frank Sturges took advantage of Sinatra's generosity to Steve, and cast him as the "lone wolf" type, "Bill Ringa". This is a character who despises authority. However, he will "give you the shirt off his back"; which he (both) says and does for Frank Sinatra! Also, simply by his using his own (extremely powerful) natural screen presence, Steve McQueen "steals the show". This is something McQueen did throughout his career. Unfortunately, the film suffers by the casting of Gina Lollobrigida. This was not her fault. Frank Sinatra was sleeping with her, so (naturally) she was cast in the film. She winds up being strictly "eye candy". Frank Sinatra and (fellow "Rat Pack" member) Peter Lawford look like anything but "OSS" soldiers. However, McQueen shines in this film. It was followed by John Sturges casting him in the now legendary film, "The Magnificent Seven" (1960). Shortly thereafter, McQueen made "The War Lover" (1962) and "Hell is for Heroes" (1962). The next year was the movie in which McQueen shot to
worldwide superstardom: "The Great Escape" (1963). From then on, he became a screen legend.