In the opening credits, filmed on Stone St. in Tucson, AZ, the Pioneer Hotel is briefly visible, and farther down the street, Steinfield's Department Store. The hotel was said to be "100 percent fireproof", a claim that was refuted in December 1970 when fire swept through the upper floors, claiming 29 victims - among whom were Harry and Margaret Steinfield, who lived in its penthouse. The building was repaired and is now a mixed-use apartment and office space.
Arthur Kennedy would say later about Nicholas Ray that he had a most peculiar way to direct actors. Kennedy agreed on everything that Ray told him but never figured out what he meant.
The practice of lying still after being thrown from a bull fell by the wayside many years ago, for obvious reasons.
Robert Mitchum had a lot to do with the writing of the film, working in tandem with director Nicholas Ray; the script was constantly being rewritten as the filming proceeded, and Alfred Hayes, Andrew Solt, and producer Jerry Wald also made uncredited contributions.