 George Stevens (I) (qv) originally cast Montgomery Clift (qv) as  Shane, and William Holden (I) (qv) as Joe Starrett. When both  decided to do other films instead, the film nearly was abandoned  before Stevens asked studio head Y. Frank Freeman who was available.  Upon seeing a list of actors with current contracts, Stevens cast  Alan Ladd (I) (qv), Van Heflin (qv) and Jean Arthur (I) (qv)  within 3 minutes.