In 1969, a $6 million lawsuit was filed by Buck Holland and Jan Schimmel claiming that the film was based on their story "Devil On His Hills", which they gave to Redford, and requesting Paramount to stop referring to the film being based on Hall's book. Before the lawsuit, Paramount had already deleted reference to Hall in advertising and on screen and sought an injunction from Hall interfering with distribution and claiming the film was based on his book. Despite Paramount's intention, some studio publicity was released crediting Hall. Hall filed a counterclaim against Paramount. Alexander was also in a legal dispute to gain executive producer credit.