Kirk Douglas exerted his considerable influence to produce this arty, allegorical Western. Based on a novel by Edward Abbey, the themes are similar to those of The Wild Bunch or Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid from later in the same decade. The production values are low and some of the film's symbolism is less than subtle, but Dalton Trumbo's screenplay is filled with well-detailed character development and interaction. The film is visually sparse, perhaps even more minimalist than the budget requires. Jerry Goldsmith's fine score contributes to the atmosphere, and there are numerous outstanding performances, particularly from Douglas, Walter Matthau, and Gena Rowlands.