Screenwriter Borden Chase claimed that this was planned as a star vehicle for John Wayne, and that an extensive rewrite was needed to accommodate Gregory Peck in the lead role. He spoke disparagingly of Peck's work in the film.
The flogging of Capt. Clark ranks 96th in the book, "Lash! The 100 Great Scenes of Men Being Whipped in the Movies." However, no such flogging occurs in the novel on which this movie is based.
The first of three films to co-star Gregory Peck and Anthony Quinn, the others being "The Guns of Navarone" (1961) and "Behold a Pale Horse" (1964).
There are some 30 Russian Orthodox churches in Alaska in the early 21st century. Most are historic sites and some are still active parishes, mostly from the indigenous population. All are in the southern part of the state and the Aleutian Islands. While most are in remote areas or small villages, the most accessible and visited churches are in Sitka, Kenai, Kodiak, and Juneau. Those who take an inland passage cruise to Alaska usually stop at Juneau where one can see and visit St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church.
The movie is based on a book by American author Rex Beach, who wrote many novels of adventure, action and drama. "The World in His Arms" of 1946, was one of several books set in Alaska where Beach had spent five years, including a stint at prospecting for gold. Although little read in modern times, some of his books were top sellers in the early 20th century. Beach may be among the most prolific of modern authors to have had movies based on his works - 37 in all.