According to Don Siegel in his biography, Universal Studios did not properly manage the release of the movie, presenting it as one more action movie starring Clint Eastwood , which of course disappointed audiences faithful to his usual movies. Siegel also said that this movie should have been shown in local theaters in New York City and then could have probably been a moderate success instead of a failure at the box office.
During production, Clint Eastwood directed his first movie, a behind-the-scenes look at producer/ director Don Siegel at work called The Beguiled: The Storyteller (1971).
Pamelyn Ferdin, who was 11 during filming, said in a 1995 interview that Clint Eastwood kissing her to keep her from screaming when she sees troops passing by was a total surprise. She wasn't expecting it because it wasn't in the script. He was supposed to just cover her mouth. She found out later that director Don Siegel told Eastwood to do it because it would be more provocative. She said they used the first take because her stunned expression, which was real, was perfect.