All of the characters' personal tensions reach breaking point when someone is killed accidentally on the final day of shooting, leading the guests to reconsider their relationships.

Edward Fox as Lord Gilbert Hartlip represents the newer type of aristocrat who does not have the same solid beliefs: he gets into a competition over who is the best shot, despite his host's disapproval.

James Mason was finishing the filming of Doctor Fischer of Geneva for the BBC, and the schedule was changed to allow him to take over the part of Nettleby, six weeks later.

Critic Pauline Kael gave the film a positive review and wrote "Bridges has a special gift for these evocations of a world seen in a bell jar, and now, with Geoffrey Reeve as producer and Fred Tammes as cinematographer, he has refined his techniques.

The movie is a reminder that American films are usually about one or two stars and a handful of well-known character actors, while Europeans are still capable of pitching in together for an ensemble piece.