luis tranker made the first 'spagnetti western.... not sergio leone..... this film is truly one of trenkers finest.... you wll swear that you are out in the wild west.... i guess it was probably shot in spain vs.. california... the cinematography .. espcially the outdoor scenes...is truly a beauful visual experience .... the sets take you back to when this alll took place (the start of the gold rush when gold is found at sutters mill  back in the 1880s...seeing luis trenker as a 'cowboy' made me curious enough to buy this film..... he pulls it off .... great acting/directing, etc.