<P> The film was an international co-production between companies in Britain and the United States . </P> <P> Director David Lean clashed with his cast members on multiple occasions, particularly Alec Guinness and James Donald, who thought the novel was anti-British . Lean had a lengthy row with Guinness over how to play the role of Nicholson; Guinness wanted to play the part with a sense of humour and sympathy, while Lean thought Nicholson should be "a bore ." On another occasion, Lean and Guinness argued over the scene where Nicholson reflects on his career in the army . Lean filmed the scene from behind Guinness, and exploded in anger when Guinness asked him why he was doing this . After Guinness was done with the scene, Lean said "Now you can all fuck off and go home, you English actors . Thank God that I'm starting work tomorrow with an American actor (William Holden)." </P> <P> The film was made in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). The bridge in the film was near Kitulgala . </P> <P> Alec Guinness later said that he subconsciously based his walk while emerging from "the Oven" on that of his eleven - year - old son Matthew, who was recovering from polio at the time, a disease that left him temporarily paralyzed from the waist down . Guinness later reflected on the scene, calling it the "finest piece of work" he had ever done . </P>

Where did they film bridge on the river kwai