Roberto Rossellini started the film in July 1943 as "Scalo merci" with Oretta Fiume in the leading role. The production was halted several times because of the war (during which time Oretta Fiume was replaced by Elli Parvo) only to be shelved in early 1944. In the spring of 1944, Marcello Pagliero took over the project. He modified the screenplay and changed the settings altogether (railway men became woodcutters). The final product, presented to the public in May 1946, includes some of the scenes shot by Rossellini
In all available reference books about the film, the character played by Massimo Girotti is always called 'Nando Selvini', whereas the wedding invitation sent to Paola (played by Elli Parvo) clearly shows that his name is 'Mancini' instead.
Italian censorship visa # 10-5-1946.