Filming started in April 1959 on location in and around Blairsden, California, Graeagle, California, and other locations throughout Plumas County. The scenes involving the steam engine and railroad cars were shot on the Western Pacific Railroad right-of-way. The scene where the steam engine goes over the tall "bridge" was shot using the Clio Trestle. Filming finished in June 1959.
Film-producing debut for Aaron Spelling. NOTE: Alan Ladd (I) had been so impressed by Spelling's work on two television pilots that he gave Spelling his first film producing job.
Frankie Avalon, following his recent hit single Venus, signed to make his dramatic debut in the film after appearing as himself in Jamboree (1957). Avalon later said, "I'm sure the reason why Warner Bros. said, 'Let's get this kid' is that he has lots of fans out there and he's getting 12,000 to 15,000 fans letters a week. 'Let's put him in a picture with a guy like Alan Ladd.'" Avalon's performance led to his casting in Alamo (1960).
In the film, Avalon sings two songs, "The Faithful Kind" and "Gee Whiz Whillikins Golly Gee." Both were released as a 45-rpm single in 1960.
In the film, Avalon sings two songs, "The Faithful Kind" and "Gee Whiz Whillikins Golly Gee." Both were released as a 45-rpm single in 1960.
Throughout his career, Alan Ladd had to wear deep lifts in his shoes, or walk on hidden risers in order to even out his height with other actors. In his shots walking with Frankie Avalon though, this was not necessary as they were both 5' 6."
Louis L'Amour's novel Guns of the Timberlands was published in 1955 and sold more than one million copies. Alan Ladd's film production company Jaguar optioned the novel that same year. The working title for the film was "Shasta."