Some sources have suggested that this was originally to be directed by Akira Kurosawa, but he pulled out. However, this is massively unlikely, given the production history of the film. The more likely explanation is that Kurosawa was approached about directing a different film project on the same subject, "The Day Custer Fell", which was in the works at 20th Century Fox for several years, and for which several Japanese actors famous for working with Kurosawa were approached to play the leading Native American roles. Fred Zinnemann was eventually attached to this project, but it was canceled by Fox because of its ever-escalating budget. "Custer Of The West" was put together very quickly (and made rather cheaply) once this occurred.
Robert Ryan did his brief cameo for free. He was holidaying in Florence and did his three scenes in Madrid as a favor to producer Philip Yordan. After a considerable absence from the screen, Yordan had paid Ryan $150,000 for his role in Battle of the Bulge (1965) and Ryan was extremely grateful.
According to Swedish press at the time of the films TV premiere, the flume ride sequence was filmed in Sweden rather than - as originally considered - Canada. A trip across the Atlantic was too expensive.
Robert Shaw earned $350,000 for his portrayal of Custer, whilst his wife Mary Ure received only $50,000 for her turn as Custer's wife.
The film was criticized as gloomy and historically inaccurate. Robert Shaw was felt to be at odds with both his accent and his character. Custer was of German descent, yet Shaw appears to be using an Irish accent in the film.