Walt Disney originally rejected the filming of the novel, due to his distaste for religious films. His brother Roy backed the production, releasing it using the studio's Buena Vista arm.
This was the first film shot in Super Panavision 70, but the process is credited on-screen as "Panavision 70".
A number of industry veterans returned to movie-making after long gaps for this movie. Producer and co-writer Rowland V. Lee had not had any film credits since 1945; nor had composer Albert Hay Malotte. Co-writer Howard Estabrook had been working in television for several years. It was director Frank Borzage's last directing credit, and only the second film he had made since 1948. It was a huge box-office flop and has rarely been seen anywhere for several decades.
Passed by the British Board of Film Censors with a "U" certificate on 28 January 1960. Was given a Royal Gala Premiere at the Astoria, Charing Cross Road, on Monday, 9 May 1960 at 8pm. The event was in aid of World Refugee Year and was attended by the Duke of Edinburgh. The film ran at the Astoria for eight weeks, closing Sunday, 3 July 1960.
Final film of Claire James.
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