The film was shot mostly in England. After losing a huge amount of money from its American release, the film was released in Britain about a year later. It was also cut from 155 minutes to 137 minutes. Janet Suzman's role was cut out completely, though her name was still prominently displayed in the opening credits.
At one point, Yugoslavia was considered as a shooting location. Yugoslav producers found locations to play Hamburg and Havana. The only ship they could find that fit the U.S. producers' specifications was being destroyed in a harbor, so the idea was abandoned.
The only film that year nominated for Best Motion Picture Drama at the Golden Globes, and not Best Picture at the Academy Awards.