The film stars Joe Don Baker, Sondra Locke, Ted Neeley, Dennis Fimple, John Davis Chandler, Linda Dano and Slim Pickens.

The Shadow of Chikara is the first feature film ever shot on the Buffalo National River.

[2] Production moved to Bull Shoals-White River State Park by early November and continued in the area for seven weeks.

[3] The NBC affiliate KYTV aired a behind-the-scenes program on November 21, 1976.

[3] Locke's then-boyfriend Clint Eastwood flew in about three weeks into the shoot and spent his days touring the countryside and fishing while she worked.