Erik Per Sullivan celebrated his 13th birthday during the shooting of the film
Jack Kelly, who spent his entire career working as a stunt-double for James Cagney, was originally cast to play the role of The Old Man in the film. Sadly, he died a month before principle photography and had to be replaced by first-time actor, Bernard Shain.
Erik per Sullivan and Skye McCole Bartusiak previously worked together in The Cider House Rules (1999).