The film shows a family of French Basque immigrants pioneering into the Wild West in 1850 while carrying their ancestral vines. Hard drinking trail driver Lon Bennett is hired to lead them and he falls for the spirited Gabrielle Dauphin.
The film was made by Seven Arts Productions and acquired by Paramount for distribution.[2] It was the company's third film, after Gunrunners and Ten Seconds to Hell.[3] It was known during filming as Between the Thunder and the Sun and The Gun and the Arrow.[4]
Filming started 21 July 1958 with location work in Mount Whitney.[5][6]
Reception
The film is infamous among Basques for its misunderstandings of Basque customs, such as the use of the xistera (a device of the jai alai sport) as a weapon or shouting irrintziululations as meaningful communication.[7]
Other commentators, though, have noted the well-staged action scenes, the absorbing story, and the excellent cinematography.[citation needed]
^"1959: Probable Domestic Take", Variety, 6 January 1960 p 34
^"GOLDWYN NAMED FOR MOVIE HONOR: Producers Guild to Give Him Milestone Award -Jeff Chandler Gets Role". New York Times. October 21, 1958. p. 38.
^"HOLLYWOOD VISTA: Three Authoritative' 'Reporters' Add Background to Production Picture". New York Times. October 26, 1958. p. X7.
^Scheuer, Philip K. (May 25, 1958). "GRAHAM STORY FILMED: Slayer Role Taxes Susan A TOWN CALLED HOLLYWOOD Susan Hayward Wrapped Up in Murderess Role". Los Angeles Times. p. G1.
^"HEARTIER HORSE OPERA HEROINES". New York Times. August 10, 1958. p. X5.
