The statue of Ava Gardner used in the film was by Bulgarian artist Assen Peikov. After the film Frank Sinatra bought the statue and installed it in the garden of his Coldwater Canyon home.
The studio was about to release the film's poster with no image of Humphrey Bogart, a contractual violation. Bogart had the matter rectified with the addition of a large line drawing of his face.
Ava Gardner said in her autobiography that Humphrey Bogart was not easy to work with, because he argued about everything.
Changes were made to the soundtrack just days before the film's New York opening. These were required after Howard Hughes had learned that the character Kirk Edwards bore striking similarites to him and threatened to sue.
The character of Maria Vargas is said to be based on Rita Hayworth, who was actually offered the part. Hayworth was a Latina who later married a prince, Prince Aly Khan. However, some elements were taken from Ava Gardner's life as well. The stormy relationship between Maria and tycoon movie producer Kirk Edwards (Warren Stevens) is based on Gardner's own relationship with billionaire film producer Howard Hughes. French-Polynesian actress and dancer Anne Chevalier is also said to be an inspiration for the character.
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