John Wayne was responsible for assembling a group of USC football players for the cast, one of which was Ward Bond. The director was furious at Bond for constantly ordering steak and drinks from hotel room service and fired him. Wayne stood up to the director and forced him to keep Bond on, and a lifetime friendship was born.
First appearance for George O'Brien, Ward Bond, Jack Pennick, and John Wayne together in a film directed by John Ford, although he was not credited. The four actors would appear in Ford films, in various combinations, throughout their careers.