By April 1961, John Wayne and Spencer Tracy had confirmed their plans to play Generals Sherman and Grant for a segment directed by John Ford, and James Stewart had been signed as well. Other roles would go to Gregory Peck, Debbie Reynolds, Russ Tamblyn and Carroll Baker, while Henry Hathaway and George Marshall would also direct, from a script by James Webb. Bing Crosby was slated to provide narration. Jim Hutton was meant to appear in the Civil War segment. Eventually, Harry Morgan appeared as Grant when Tracy was unavailable.