<P> Paul Gregory became attached as producer and wanted Steve McQueen for the lead . MGM then offered the role to Nick Adams, but he turned it down as well . According to George Hamilton, MGM then "revised their concept of the film as quickie drive - in fare that might sell some records in the South and maybe to some crossover Beverly Hillbillies fans ." They assigned their film to producer Sam Katzman who specialized in low budget fare . </P> <P> Parker was friendly with George Hamilton, who had been a fan of Williams' music since his youth, knew every song Williams had written and could also play the guitar . Hamilton was under contract to MGM but says the studio "didn't see their stock company preppy playboy playing a drug addict honky - tonk crooner". </P> <P> Parker introduced Hamilton to Hank Williams' ex-wife Audrey . The two got along well and Audrey lobbied on Hamilton's behalf . Hamilton said, "Audrey wanted the movie to happen, especially to make her son, Hank Williams Jr., a singing star the same way she had pushed Big Hank to stardom ." The idea was that Williams Jr would dub the singing in the movie and release the soundtrack album under his name; Hamilton wanted to perform the songs himself--"that was the key to the character"--but knew the only way he would get the part was to agree to be dubbed . With Audrey's support, Hamilton got the part, his signing being announced in November 1963 . </P> <P> Paula Prentiss was at one stage attached as female star . </P>

Who sang the songs in the movie your cheatin heart