Howard Hawks was originally attached to direct, according to a 3 Feb 1959 DV news item. Gold of the Seven Saints was set to be his first in a multiple-picture deal with Warner Bros. Pictures. Based on the 1957 Steve Frazee novel, Desert Guns, the upcoming project was likened to Warner Bros.’ The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948, see entry) in a 30 Jun 1959 LAT item. A 2 Feb 1961 LAT review of the final film also noted the screenplay was “based on a similar situation” to the 1948 picture, and the 31 Jan 1961 DV review stated the film was “no Treasure by a long shot, but it’s a darn good imitation-heir apparent.” Both reviews lamented that the scenic Utah backdrop had been captured in black-and-white instead of color.
       On 10 Jun 1960, DV reported that actor Roger Moore was forced to drop out of the film since Warner Bros. had suspended him over his refusal to appear in the television series, Maverick (ABC, 22 Sep 1957—8 Jul 1962). However, a week later, the 17 Jun 1960 DV stated that the actor and studio had reconciled, and Moore would appear in both Maverick and Gold of the Seven Saints. Actor Chris Dark and sports columnist Salvatore Baguez were named as cast members in the 29 Jun 1960 and 5 Aug 1960 issues of DV, and Sonya Wilde was tested for a role, as noted in the 21 Jun 1960 DV.
       A production chart in the 8 Jul 1960 DV announced that principal photography began in Moab, UT, on 28 Jun 1960. Location filming also took place outside Kanab, UT, according to the 1 Aug 1960 DV.
       Theatrical release occurred early the following year. The film opened 1 Feb 1961 in Los Angeles, CA, where it played on a double bill with The Last Rebel (1961, see entry); and on 5 Apr 1961 in New York City, where it was shown with The Sins of Rachel Cade (1961, see entry).