Director Henry Hathaway knew the attraction of the film when he made "Garden of Evil," a CinemaScope Western produced in 1954 and starring Cooper. The film follows a rescue mission in Mexico after a broken steamship leaves several passengers stranded. The main character is played by Cooper, Susan Hayward, and Richard Widmark, who also star in the film. The CinemaScope photography allows Hathaway to depict the exposed riders' vulnerability and scenery. The third act follows the rescue team as Apache Indians chase them through the mountains. The director's superlative use of Mexican locations keeps the film engaging through uneven stretches, with Cooper supplying the others with compelling performances.