 Thomas had been raised on several ranches, one of which was owned by the film actor, Francis Lederer, and fulfilled the age and horse riding requirements of Russell's role as Jaimie McPheeters.Thomas was accustomed to the film business as several motion pictures, one being John Ford's "Sergeant Rutledge", had been filmed at Lederer's Mission Stables, now an historical California landmark.Veteran western actor Slim Pickens, a close friend of Thomas' family, was responsible for his getting a screen test and subsequent roles.