The casting of Onahti (the Indian girl) turned out to be much more difficult than first anticipated. Though there were a number of unsuccessful auditions, it wasn't until Kirk Douglas' wife Anne Douglas spotted a model in "Vogue" magazine that the production knew they had their leading lady. Her name was Elsa Martinelli, an Italian model on the verge of becoming an international star. Douglas, in his autobiography "The Ragman's Son", describes how he and Matinelli had constant sex during the filming of the movie. So much for gratitude.