The movie was filmed in black and white at Director Ralph Thomas' insistence. He explained his choice by saying the movie is based on a novel written in black and white.
The production company used thousands of American soldiers as extras.The soldiers were posted at nearby military facilities in Orleans,France.The film was shot in the Loire Valley in France.
During the final scenes of the tumbrels rolling to the guillotine, Sydney Carton and the other characters in the tumbrel appear to switch sides. First, they are on the right, then on the left, then on the right again.