In 1943, while doing a low budget Roy Rogers picture called "Idaho," Canutt broke both his legs at the ankles in a fall off a wagon. He recovered to write the stunts and supervise the action for another Wayne film "In Old Oklahoma". In the next decade, Canutt became one of the best second unit and action directors. MGM brought Canutt to England in 1952 to direct the action and jousting sequences in "Ivanhoe" with Robert Taylor. This would set a precedent by filming action abroad instead of on the studio lot, and Canutt introduced many British stuntmen to Hollywood-style stunt training. "Ivanhoe" was followed by "Knights of the Round Table", again with director Richard Thorpe and starring Robert Taylor. Canutt again was brought in for lavish action scenes in "King Richard and the Crusaders".