Not only did the film fail critically and commercially, but it also led to a major tragedy, culminating in the deaths of the cast and the director! This production became one of the worst in Hollywood’s history. But what was the cause behind this catastrophe?
The story began in 1956 when actor and director Dick Powell decided to direct a historical film about the Mongol Emperor Genghis Khan. He cast John Wayne and Susan Hayward in the leading roles. As for the filming location, Powell chose the desert region of St. George in Utah, USA, less than 220 kilometers away from the Nevada Test Site.
The Nevada Nuclear Experiments
During 1951 military maneuvers, the Nevada Test Site was conducting nuclear experiments known as "Operation Upshot-Knothole." The fallout from these tests spread over vast areas due to the winds. Despite being aware of the ongoing experiments, Powell proceeded with filming in the area after receiving government assurances. He even transported tons of sand from the site to Hollywood to complete the production!
After months of hard work, the film was completed and released in theaters. However, it was met with ridicule for its poor acting and dialogue. Audiences were unimpressed, with many leaving the cinemas early.
A Disaster Beyond Failure
It is not unusual for a film to fail; failure is neither catastrophic nor the end of the world. However, the crew of this film faced something far worse. Seven years after the film's release, many of the crew began to complain of various illnesses. Investigations revealed that 91 members of the cast and crew had developed cancer, caused by exposure to radioactive fallout during the shoot.
The first to succumb was the director himself, who died of cancer. Actor Pedro Armendáriz, unable to cope with his diagnosis, took his own life in 1963. Lead actor John Wayne developed lung cancer but survived, only to die in 1979 from stomach cancer. Susan Hayward passed away in 1975, also from lung cancer.
The Curse Spreads
The affliction was not limited to the crew. Visitors to the filming location also suffered. John Wayne's brother was diagnosed with skin cancer, while Susan Hayward's son developed oral cancer.
These tragic events left producer Howard Hughes devastated with guilt over his decisions regarding the film. He reportedly gathered copies of the movie and halted its distribution for years. Wracked with depression, Hughes eventually withdrew from public life and died in isolation.
The film, marred by poor execution and a devastating aftermath, remains a haunting chapter in Hollywood’s history—a stark reminder of the unforeseen consequences of human folly.