 Sam Peckinpah (qv) was assigned to direct this film by  Mike Medavoy (qv), the head of United Artists at the time. Medavoy  believed in Peckinpahs abilities but knew that it was virtually  impossible for Peckinpah to get a job with any of the studios, as he  had alienated virtually everyone in Hollywood by that time. When  this project came along Medavoy knew it was perfect for Peckinpah  and gave it to him, but under the conditions that he worked under  Medavoys strict supervision. Peckinpah agreed.