Max Ophüls was hoping to direct the film but was passed over in favour of Robert Florey.[3]
The film was first announced in November 1947 with writer-producer Robert Buckner saying he was inspired by stories of former Nazis enlisting in the French Foreign Legion. In particular he researched the disappearance of Martin Bormann.[4]
In March 1948 it was announced Universal signed Dick Powell to play the lead.[6] Edmond O'Brien dropped out of the film to make a movie with Deanna Durbin.[7]
It was meant to be the 60th film directed by Robert Florey at Universal.[8]
Release
The Los Angeles Times said the film had an "arresting premise" which "went the way of just another cops and robbers chase".[9]
The New York Times wrote that "if this man-hunt for a vicious, top-flight Nazi in the environs of Saigon bears more than a passing resemblance to a dozen other film chases of recent vintage, mark it down as topical, at least. If credibility is by-passed more than once, it is all done briskly and with good will."[10]
^p.200 Bacher, Lutz Max Ophuls in the Hollywood Studios 1996 Rutgers University Press
^"Bormann, Hitler's Missing Deputy, Alive in Hiding, Author Believes". Los Angeles Times. Oct 4, 1948. p. A8.
^THOMAS F. BRADY (Nov 15, 1947). "U-I TO DO NEW FILM ON FOREIGN LEGION: Edmund O'Brien Set for Role in 'Rogues Regiment,' Movie on Unit in Indo-China". New York Times. p. 11.
^THOMAS F. BRADY (Mar 3, 1948). "FILM CONTROVERSY IS TAKEN TO COURT: Feldman Sues for $1,000,000 in Row Over Movie Rights to Gerald Butler's Novel". New York Times. p. 28.
^THOMAS F. BRADY (Mar 4, 1948). "WARNER FILM LEAD TO VIVECA LINDFORS: Actress Will Star in 'Be Nice to Emily,' Comedy by Taylor -- Gottleib is Producer". New York Times. p. 30.
^"FLOREY GUIDES 60 FILMS AT U". Los Angeles Times. Nov 26, 1948. p. 21.
^SCHEUER, PHILILP K. (Nov 18, 1948). "Powell Pursues Ex-Nazi Into 'Rogues' Regiment'". Los Angeles Times. p. B8.