Did You Know?
One of George Lucas's projects while a student in film school was documenting the making of this film. While he was on set, he actually made suggestions (which were used) on how to rehearse and shoot some scenes.
Share this
Acording to a 1996 biography, Clint Eastwood was first offered the lead role, but turned it down to make Hang 'Em High instead.
Share this
The pool and waterfall where part of the action takes place was man-made and the water had to be hauled in by tanker truck.
Share this
During the swimming scene at the pool Julie Newmar's character was supposed to be topless with a loincloth. In an interview Ms. Newmar stated that at the last minute she decided to do the scene nude and no-one, especially the male actors and crew, argued with her about the decision.
Share this
The film was originally planned to be shown in single lens Cinerama with reserved seat roadshow engagements, but Columbia execs changed their minds and pulled the plug on that idea. The film was drastically cut down from nearly three hours plus an intermission to just over two hours. Although most of the film was photographed on 65mm stock, to save a buck, a handful of scenes were filmed in 35mm anamorphic and then optically blown up with disastrous results. The blown-up scenes are exceedingly grainy and have bad color.
Share this
