The film was made by a new company, a co-operative venture between director Frank Wisbar, production manager Edward Finney and writer Arthur St Claire.

[3] "This is an interesting, a desperate, attempt to break the deadlock on independent production", said Wisbar.

"The other boys and I made up our minds to finance, cast and film a picture as well as it could be done, without interference from the "front office", distributors, or anyone else.

"[3] Wisbar said they picked Cooper's novel because it was in the public domain and also "because it keeps the rootin', tootin', and shootin' to a minimum and stresses the human element, the story of a man who was a law unto himself.

"[3] The film marked the acting debut for Robert Mitchum's brother John.