In history, Horatius Cocles was known for defending one of Rome's most famous bridges, the Pons Sublicus or Sublican bridge, spanning the river Tiber during the war between Rome and the Etruscans. He stood in front of the bridge alone and held it until the Romans could put it out of commission.
Director Vittorio Cottafavi started the picture, but was fired after three weeks (he and Louis Jourdan did not get along) and replaced by Carlo Ludovico Bragaglia.
Horatio Cocles lived in Rome between 530-500BC. He was called Cocles "Cyclops" because he'd lost one of his eyes.
Romulus, the last of the Roman emperors in the west was overthrown by the Germanic leader Odoacer in 476AD, who became the first Barbarian to rule Rome. Perhaps that is why 476AD was chosen for the year this movie was set in or perhaps the producer made a mistake.This movie should have been set in the 6th century BC.
The premiere in Carlisle proved to be both a disappointment and an embarrassment for United Artists. Announced in the Cumberland News to commence Sunday, 26 May 1968 for seven days, it was replaced in mid-week by Finders Keepers (1966) starring Cliff Richard.