 After the release of _Shootist, The (1976)_ (qv),  John Wayne (I) (qv) saw Ron Howard (qv) at a party and told him  "I have this movie for the both of us. Its you and me or nobody."  Ron Howard stated that one of his great regrets in life was John  Wayne not living to do this movie. Rick Schroder (qv) plays the  part intended for Ron Howard.