The project was announced by MGM in June 1960, originally called "The Great Western Story". The plan was to film a story of six segments featuring 12 stars, with a linking overall storyline. Among the historical personae to be featured were Buffalo Bill, the James brothers, and Billy the Kid. A portion of the profits would go to St. John's Hospital. This led Irene Dunne and others to persuade the movie's stars to take less than their usual fees. However, the hospital later sued for a share of the film's profits.