<P> Film rights were picked up by Hal Wallis, who had a deal with Paramount . In 1959 it was announced that Dean Martin would star . John Sturges was still attached as director . Eventually in 1964 John Wayne was signed to star, with Henry Hathaway to direct . </P> <P> Filming was due to begin in September 1964, but had to be delayed until January 1965, after Wayne was diagnosed with lung cancer . Following Wayne's surgery to remove a cancerous lung and two ribs, the star insisted on doing his own stunts, and nearly contracted pneumonia after being dragged into a river . </P> <P> Outdoor locations were filmed in Durango, in northern Mexico, and the opening credits scene as a locomotive travels a narrow stream canyon valley on the famed Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad (now a scenic tourist train) near Royal Gorge, Colorado, United States . </P> <P> Former Disney young star Tommy Kirk was signed for the film, presumably in the role of Bud Elder, but his arrest for being at a party where marijuana was used led to his being fired from the production . </P>

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