Production
Von Ryan’s Express was a project keenly undertaken by 20th Century Fox, which was still financially reeling after the extravagance and critical bashing of Cleopatra. Fox, in a bid to prove that they were still able to make films on an epic scale, shot extensively on location in Europe and built a full-scale prison camp as opposed to shooting on a backlot. It was producer Saul David's first film for Fox that he followed with Our Man Flint, Fantastic Voyage and In Like Flint.
Rumours of a personality clash between star Frank Sinatra, who was flown by helicopter to the set, and director Mark Robson were not enough to cause problems as the film was shot with relatively little trouble. However, Sinatra did insist that the ending of the film be altered: ending any chance of a sequel. Sinatra also insisted the film be shot in Panavision rather than Fox's CinemaScope.
The film score was written by Jerry Goldsmith.
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