Yul Brynner would become the godfather to Charlotte Gainsbourg, the daughter of co-stars Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin.
This was the only screenwriting credit for actor David Opatoshu, on whose father's book, Joseph Opatoshu, the movie is based.
Despite its high profile cast, and it's UK based producer, Romance of a Horsethief (1971) failed to get a British cinema release.
Elsa Martinelli had to withdraw due to prior film commitments and was replaced by Linda Veras.