Based on a real Paris underworld incident that took place in 1898.
Literary critics at the time were outraged by the fact that Jacques Becker chose to emphasize atmospherics at the expense of psychology. Nevertheless, Becker's approach had a profound effect on the young film-makers that would later go on to form the French New Wave, thereby changing French cinema forever.
The film failed miserably on its release in France. Across the English Channel, however, it was a hit, with Simone Signoret winning the BAFTA for Best Actress in a Foreign-Language Film and the movie itself being nominated for Best Film.
The original plotline for the film was about an executioner and a criminal, instead of the heartfelt romance that ultimately made up the plot.
The title "Casque d'Or" refers to Marie's hair, which resembles a golden helmet.
This was Jacques Becker's own favorite film, and the only one of his movies to receive wide international release.