Furnishings and props for the mansion interior were acquired by property master Tom Little from the estates of the Aga Khan III and David Belasco.
Other actors considered for the Richard Basehart role include James Mason, Hugh Marlowe, Richard Widmark, Dana Andrews, John Lund, and Richard Conte.
Other actresses considered for the Fay Baker role of Margaret include Andrea King, Jayne Meadows, Audrey Totter, Nancy Davis, Mercedes McCambridge, Marsha Hunt, Ann Savage, and Uta Hagen.
The portrait shown throughout the movie as "Aunt Sophie", was a painting of actress Helena Benda.