<Li> Noble Johnson as Red Shirt </Li> <P> Director John Ford's older brother Francis appears in only one scene as Connolly, the barman . Ford kept Francis on wages "for eight weeks even through Francis could have completed his scenes in less than a week ." Other uncredited cast members include: Harry Woods as Karl Rynders, the sutler; Cliff Lyons as Trooper Cliff; Mickey Simpson as Wagner, the blacksmith; Fred Libby as Corporal Kumrein; and Rudy Bowman as Private Smith . Among Rynders' associates is veteran character actor Paul Fix (Harry Carey, Jr.'s father - in - law) in a small uncredited role . </P> <P> Director Ford initially was uncertain who to cast in the lead role . However, he knew that he did not want John Wayne for the part--considering, among other factors, that Wayne would be playing a character over twenty years older than he was at the time . Reportedly, Wayne's 1948 performance in Red River changed Ford's mind, causing him to exclaim, "I didn't know the big son of a bitch could act!" Ford realized Wayne had grown considerably as an actor, and was now capable of playing the character he envisaged for this film . When shooting was completed, Ford presented Wayne with a cake with the message, "You're an actor now ." The role also became one of Wayne's favorite performances . </P> <P> The cast and crew lived in relatively primitive conditions in Monument Valley . Most slept in dirt - floor cabins that only had communal cold - water drum showers . The film was completed ahead of schedule and under budget . </P>

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