According to Pier Angeli: A Fragile Life, by Jane Allen, Angeli had been mentioned as a possibility for the role of Dennis Hopper's wife Juana.

Ava Gardner turned down the lead role.

Director George Stevens thought of Audrey, before casting Taylor. the idea was dismissed since she was considered "too sophisticated"

Before Elizabeth Taylor accepted it, the role of Leslie was offered to Grace Kelly.

For George Stevens' great American epic, the director favored Alan Ladd, his star of "Shane" who was in the midst of a career decline, to play oilman Jett Rink.