peckinpah found the script in late 1963. the early draft by fink focused on trooper ryan and presented the film as a typical adventure story. peckinpah largely discarded this, and working closely with acclaimed screenwriter, oscar saul ("a streetcar named desire") began making the movie into a complex character study about dundee, making him a glory-hungry officer who would do anything to gain fame and recognition. he had the support of heston, who had seen and enjoyed peckinpah's previous film, "ride the high country", and was eager to work with the director. actor r.g. armstrong, who had a small part as a reverend who tags along with the expedition, referred to the 156 minutes version of the film as ""moby-dick" on horseback".