Quiz

Gary Cooper was, at nearly 57, a decade older than Lee J. Cobb who played his "Uncle" Dock Tobin. Even with heavy makeup, it was generally agreed that Tobin still looked younger than Link Jones. Cooper was actually about 20 years older than his character was supposed to be. In addition, Cooper and John Dehner talk about being children together, but Dehner was actually 14 years younger than Cooper.

The last film Gary Cooper made before having plastic surgery in April 1958.

The opening credits list a title song, composed by Bobby Troup, the husband of leading lady Julie London. However, there is no song featured in the actual movie.

Jean-Luc Godard, a film critic before he became a director, raved about the film, saying it was the best film of that year. Because of his recommendation, the film has been re-evaluated and is now considered a classic western.

James Stewart was never considered for the lead role, as he had fallen out with director Anthony Mann the previous year.