After serving his time in prison, Joe Mundy (Hunter) regains his freedom. He forms an unexpected bond with a fellow inmate, who confides in him about the whereabouts of stolen gold. Upon his release, Joe is shadowed by the menacing Little Brother Williams (portrayed by Neville Brand) as he arrives in Glendale, Arizona. In this unfamiliar town, he encounters Henrietta Clifford (North), an empathetic woman who comes to his aid after he suffers a brutal assault by Williams.
As Joe and Henrietta's connection deepens, they embark on a quest to uncover the hidden gold for themselves. Their journey takes them through a series of challenges, unexpected alliances, and moments of danger. Through their determination and teamwork, they navigate the complexities of their shared goal while grappling with their own personal histories.
Together, Joe and Henrietta's pursuit of the stolen treasure becomes a metaphor for their individual quests for redemption and purpose. As they navigate the twists and turns of their adventure, they discover not only the potential riches at the end of their journey but also the value of trust, companionship, and the inner strength to overcome their pasts.
The film was based on a novel by Wilbur Daniel Steele. In August 1954 Darryl F. Zanuck recommended 20th Century Fox buy the screen right prior to publication. (Zanuck had left the studio but still held considerable clout there.)[2][3] They paid $60,000 even though the novel had not been completed.[4]
The novel was published in July 1955.[5] The New York Times said it "should have real success."[6]
In May 1956 Wendell Mayes was hired to write the script.[7] Mayes later called it "a picture that was before its time, which slipped by quite unnoticed... an interesting picture, but the studio and the people who publicize pictures didn't understand that it was a comedy. They thought that it was a big melodrama, so it slipped by."[8]
Elvis Presley was offered the starring role in the film but 20th Century-Fox refused to pay the $250,000 plus 50% of the profits that Elvis' manager, Colonel Tom Parker was demanding (Fox had offered $150,000 plus 50%).[citation needed]
^Solomon, Aubrey. Twentieth Century Fox: A Corporate and Financial History (The Scarecrow Filmmakers Series). Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press, 1989. ISBN978-0-8108-4244-1. p251
^Schallert, Edwin (Aug 18, 1954). "'Violent Saturday,' New Novel, Purchased; David Brian 'Timberjack' Star". Los Angeles Times. p. B7.
^THOMAS M. PRYOR (Aug 18, 1954). "THEATRES CANCEL TV BOXING PLANS: Skouras Calls Off Coverage of Charles – Marciano Bout in Dispute With Video Unit". The New York Times. p. 20.
^A. H. WEILER. (Sep 26, 1954). "RANDOM OBSERVATIONS ON PICTURES AND PEOPLE". New York Times. p. X5.
^"Today's Books". New York Times. July 28, 1955. p. 21.
^HERBERT F. WEST. (July 31, 1955). "The Heart Has Reasons". New York Times. p. BR4.
^Schallert, Edwin (May 5, 1956). "Drama: Tony Galento to Enact Mobster; Cecil Movie Cartoon on Schedule". Los Angeles Times. p. A9.
^THOMAS M. PRYOR (Jan 4, 1957). "HITCHCOCK SIGNS FOR M-G-M MOVIE: He Will Produce and Direct 'Wreck of the Mary Deare' From Book by Innes Todd Settles Taxing Problem". The New York Times. p. 18.
^"Sheree North Parting From Music Publisher: Actress Reveals 'Amicable' Separation After Two-Year Marriage to Bud Freeman". Los Angeles Times. Mar 12, 1957. p. B1.
