Tilghman organized the Eagle Film Company in response to several movies which glamorized outlaws and depicted lawmen as fools.

He intended to produce a movie that gave a realistic portrayal of outlaws and lawmen.

The Passing of the Oklahoma Outlaws, while consisting of many actual events, contains several fictional people and scenes.

Tilghman filmed on location at many of the old outlaw hideouts in Lincoln and Payne counties and in the old Creek and Osage reserves.

The Chicago Board of Censors refused to issue a permit allowing the showing of the film because it featured the exploits of a band of train robbers and outlaws.