Marty interesting how the project got started. Hecht and Burt Lancaster were partners Lancaster been friends with Borgnine made at least two movies together. Wanted Borgine for the Marty part. Lancaster helped promote the movie.

Borgine was shooting a movie called Bad Day at Black rock staring Spencer Tracey. Borgine asked Tracey for advice he actually shoot both movies at around the same time. Tracey advised Borgine to do it.

Turns out both Actors were nominated for best actor that year. Borgine for Marty and Spenser Tracey for the Black Rock movie Borgine won.