The 7 Jun 1965 NYT reported plans by producer Joseph E. Levine’s Embassy Pictures Corp. to make a film based on the character “Nevada Smith,” as a prequel to The Carpetbaggers (1964, see entry), and the 1961 Harold Robbins novel of the same name upon which it was based. According to the 14 Apr 1965 DV, star Steve McQueen disliked the initial screenplay, requiring writer John Michael Hayes to make major revisions. As stated in the 12 May 1965 DV, actor Roddy McDowall was offered a role, but was forced to decline as he was already committed to star in Lord Love a Duck (1966, see entry). On 16 Jun 1965, DV noted that director Henry Hathaway hoped to cast Eli Wallach, Arthur Kennedy, and Don Gordon as the title character’s three nemeses. Wallach and Gordon were ultimately replaced by Karl Malden and Martin Landau.
       Principal photography began 12 Jul 1965 in Bishop, CA, as stated in 6 Aug 1965 DV production charts. One month later, the 5 Sep 1965 LAT described the staged burning of a cabin on a mountain known as Cerro Gordo, in nearby Lone Pine, CA. On 9 Sep 1965, DV reported the production’s move to Baton Rouge, LA. Two weeks later, the 23 Sep DV revealed that the company was forced to headquarter in New Orleans, LA, as tourists descended on Baton Rouge for a college football game. According to the 6 Oct 1965 DV, the final week of production was delayed by heavy rains. However, a news item in the 14 Oct 1965 DV indicated the completion of photography with the return of cast member Merritt Bohn to Los Angeles, CA.
       Days later, the 22 Oct 1965 DV announced that Levine would host a party on 29 Oct 1965 on the Nevada Smith set at Paramount Pictures, in honor of the Theatre Owners of America (TOA), who were holding a convention in Los Angeles. The night of the party, a fire broke out at neighboring Desilu Studios and spread to the Paramount lot. While no one was killed or injured, the 30 Oct 1965 LAT and 1 Nov 1965 DV estimated property damages at $200,000. Steve McQueen reportedly assisted firefighters in dousing the flames.
       On 19 Jan 1966, DV noted that the final stages of post-production were underway. The film’s budget was estimated at $4 million.
       A news item in the 2 Jun 1966 DV announced Levine’s upcoming eleven-city promotional tour, starting 6 Jun 1966. The film was scheduled for its European debut later that month at the San Sebastian Film Festival in Spain, as noted in the 24 May 1966 DV.
       Nevada Smith opened in Jun 1966 to unenthusiastic critical notices, several of which suggested it was too long. Public response was considerably better, with rentals totaling $5 million, as stated in the 4 Jan 1967 Var.
       Casting notices during the course of production included Chubby Johnson “and his beard” (8 Jul 1965 DV); Jerry Gatlin, Chuck Roberson, Red Morgan , Loren James, Chuck Hayward, Henry Willis, and Isabel Boniface (20 Jul DV); Iron Eyes Cody and Chief Yowlachi (12 Aug 1965 DV); Michele Breeze, Susan Sturtridge, Rita Stetson, Connie Ducharme, Marilyn Bell, and Sally Frei (2 Sep 1965 DV); Strother Martin, Joanna Moore, and Val Jenkins (10 Sep 1965 DV).
       ”Film Assignments” in the 9 Jul 1965 DV listed the following crew members: Curtis Mick, assistant production manager; Danny McCauley and Joseph Lenzi, assistant directors; Marshall Wolins, script supervisor; Dick Batcheller, camera operator; Bill Clark , camera assistant; Jack Gereghty, still photography; Glen Anderson, boom operator; Albert Cuesta, recorder; Richard Spelker, cableman; Tony Wade and Les Hallett, props; Arthur Gaunt and John Hennessy, grips; Chet Stafford, gaffer; Delson Stein, best boy; Tony Scarano and Thalia Phillips, costumers; Jim Chirco, serviceman; Dee Turner, painter; Tom Sutton, wrangler; Al Latta, transportation; Wally Sharpe, nurseryman; Howard Cashion, camera mechanic. An article in the 3 Aug 1965 DV noted that Walter Bellig was “assigned to supervise animal action.”
Copyright length: 139 min.