The film was originally known as Prince of Bagdad and was based on an original story. In July 1952 Universal announced Victor Mature would star and Maureen O'Hara was his "likely" co-star.[3][4] Victor Mature was borrowed from 20th Century Fox.[5] He made it after completing The Glory Brigade and before The Robe – however release was held up until after The Robe had been released.
In October, George Sherman was assigned to direct.[6]
Eventually Maureen O'Hara asked to be relieved of the assignment and her role was taken by Universal contract player Mari Blanchard.[7]
James Arness was borrowed from Wayne-Fellows.[8] The film also featured a young Stuart Whitman, who had just signed a long-term contract with Universal.[9]
^"VEILS OF BAGDAD". The Monthly Film Bulletin. Vol. 20, no. 228. London. Jan 1, 1953. p. 179.
^"Drama: Busy Victor Mature Named Bagadad Prince". Los Angeles Times. July 15, 1952. p. A6.
^THOMAS M. PRYOR (Aug 22, 1952). "METRO BARS LANZA FROM RADIO SHOWS: Studio Advises N. B. C. Tenor May Not Do Program Because of Contract Difficulties". The New York Times. p. 12.
^"STUDIOS PLANNING 2 ALAN LADD FILMS: Warwick and Columbia to Join in Offering 'The Red Beret' and 'The White South'". The New York Times. 15 July 1952. p. 17.
^"MOVIELAND BRIEFS". Los Angeles Times. Oct 15, 1952. p. B8.
^THOMAS M. PRYOR (Oct 20, 1952). "NIVEN BUSCH GETS $40,000 FOR SCRIPT: Bernhard Buys 'Moonlighter' by Author Who Recently Completed New Novel". The New York Times. p. 18.
^Scheuer, Philip K. (Nov 1, 1952). "Italy Focus for 'Nina,' With Pier Angeli; Also for Paramount Tie-up". Los Angeles Times. p. 13.
^Schallert, Edwin (Dec 13, 1952). "Scoutmaster Duty Now Likely for Webb; Lauren Bacall to Bait Tycoons". Los Angeles Times. p. 11.
