Burt Lancaster always insisted that this was both his best and his most favorite film of his career.
Burt Lancaster did numerous push-ups and sit-ups every morning before each shoot to stay lean and solid. He gained 20 lb. of muscle by doing weights, running, karate and aerobics.
Frank Perry did not finish directing this film because of creative differences.
Siouxsie and the Banshees' 1978 debut album "The Scream" was inspired by this film.
According to multiple biographies of Burt Lancaster, Barbara Loden's scene with Lancaster was reshot with Janice Rule as Loden's performance had overpowered him in the scene. Using Rule, whose performance was less powerful than that of Loden, restored balance to the scene.
Although the critical response at the time was mixed, critics were unanimous in their praise of Burt Lancaster's physique, especially considering he was 52 at the time of filming.
Cameo(John Cheever): (author of the short story "The Swimmer") at the pool party.
Filmed in the summer of 1966 but not released until 1968.
The film was an allegory for the failure of the American Dream.