The Girl in the Bikini was filmed in 1952 along the Mediterranean and in Paris by director Will Rozier. In France, the film was known as Manina, la Fille Sans Voile and in the United Kingdom as The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter. It was only the 18-year-old Bardot's second movie appearance, but already her sensuality and screen presence is more than evident on the frames.

The French were almost exclusively privy to viewing the film for many years until 1957, when And God Made Woman would transform Bardot into an international phenomenon.