For the role of Dominic was chosen Marcello Mastroianni, but the latter could not take part in the project for health reasons. Later the director Enrico Oldoini proposed Lino Banfi, but the French production objected saying that Banfi was a comedian and that this was rather a dramatic role. After the insistence of the director, the Italian and French productions contacted and confirmed Lino Banfi in the role of Dominic.