Billy Wilder cast Laughton in the role of Moustache the cafe owner, but he died of cancer before shooting began, and Wilder replaced him with Lou Jacobi.

In spite of the wretched time Billy Wilder had directing Marilyn in Some Like It Hot, he recognised her box office appeal, and considered her in 1960 for this film.

When Monroe proved unavailable, Taylor was being considered for the role.