 The title role was originally intended for Frank Sinatra (qv) who  had to pull out because of a hand injury. It was then offered to  John Wayne (I) (qv) who declined the role and later said he  refused it because he didnt want Sinatras leftovers. The script  then passed to Paul Newman (I) (qv), who also turned it down but  said it would be a perfect vehicle for Clint Eastwood (qv).