The original title for the film was Roma calibro 9 (lit.'Rome caliber 9').[1] The film is very similar to Di Leo's earlier film Caliber 9, with Italian film historian and critic Roberto Curti describing it as "a reversal of Caliber 9" with the relationships in the film being contrary to each other.[1]
The cast initially intended to include Franco Gasparri, fresh from the success of the Mark il poliziotto film series, in the main role of Guido Mauri.[2]
Release
Blood and Diamonds premiered in Rome on 17 March 1978.[3] The film was distributed by Titanus in Italy, the day after the kidnapping of Aldo Moro which led to the film grossing only 259,502,900 Italian lira.[1][3]
