Stuntman Frank McGrath plays a Spaniard who is shot from his horse and is then dragged by the mount. Unable to get his foot loose, McGrath suffered a bruised body.
Santiago (1956) marked the Hollywood debut of Italian actress Rossana Podestà, who was introduced earlier in the year to movie audiences as "Helen" in the Warner Bros. production Helen of Troy (1956), which was filmed entirely in Italy.
Two historical inaccuracies: Antonio Maceo Grajeles ("Maceo") died in 1896, two years before the setting of the film, and the writer-patriot Jose Martí, in 1895.
The project was first announced in July 1955 and was originally known as The Greater Courage; another working title was The Gun Runner.
Santiago (1956) is from the novel Santiago by Martin Rackin (publication undetermined). Mackin also served as screenwriter and producer.