After learning of the improbable death of his friend, Holly is again stunned to learn from the acerbic Calloway that Harry was one of the worst racketeers and murderers wanted by the police (or sheriff, in Holly""s western parlance):[Him dying like that] It was the best thing that ever happened to him.[The entire outdoor set was from the filmWestworld (1973).]This was Brooks"" secondmajorfilm - his debut film wasThe Producers (1968).Gig Young was originally cast in the role as The Waco Kid, and Dan Dailey was once considered.The role of the sheriff was originally designed for Richard Pryor (one of the film""s screenwriters), but he was considered too controversial at the time.Both he beginning and ending of the film occur at nighttime (late night and early morning hours respectively) and are marked by the sound of approaching and departing police car sirens." Deeds suspects Cedar""s slick conniving: "Even his hands are oily." [After turning down Cedar, Hallor, and the members of the opera board, Deeds will soon be deceived by a female reporter.] Roger muses: "Now she seemed to think I""m Kaplan.I wonder if I look like Kaplan." In a quick search of the room, although it is suitably furnished with bathroom necessities and clothes, Roger finds a photograph of ""Townsend.