Adapted by Sidney Buchman and Stanley Mann from the novel by Charles E. Israel, the film was directed by Guy Green.

The Mark was selected to compete for a Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and Whitman was nominated for the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

After finding employment, Jim begins a romantic relationship with Ruth Leighton, the company's secretary, and he appears to be on the way to a better life.

He has a genuine alibi, and is eventually cleared, but a tabloid reporter exposes Jim's previous conviction, and he becomes a pariah in his new community.

Stuart Whitman was a last-minute replacement for Richard Burton; Maria Schell took over for Jean Simmons, who was supposed to have played Ruth; and the role of the prison psychiatrist was intended for Trevor Howard before Rod Steiger was cast.