Clint Eastwood banned producer Leonard Freeman from set long before reaching iconic status in Hollywood, establishing his strict approach early at the start of his career. This decisive action took place during the production of “Hang ‘Em High,” showcasing Eastwood’s unwavering belief in creative control and authority over his projects.
Early Days: Establishing Authority Before Stardom
Clint Eastwood’s enduring legacy and reputation as a direct, no-nonsense filmmaker precede him, but his command over his working environment began while he was still finding his place in the industry. Although Sergio Leone’s Dollars trilogy made him well-known across Europe, Eastwood was not yet the household name he would later become in the United States. Only when
“The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”
hit American audiences in 1967 did Eastwood’s ‘Man with No Name’ persona begin its rise to fame, steadily turning him into a global film star.
Following this breakthrough, studios were eager for Eastwood to star in another Western. Reading through multiple scripts, he was most interested in a project written by Leonard Freeman and Mel Goldberg: “Hang ‘Em High”. Hoping to reunite with director Tim Post, who had worked with him on “Rawhide,” Eastwood made his participation contingent on Post directing the film. Studio executive Arnold Picker, representing United Artists, attempted to change these terms, pushing for more experienced feature directors.
“We have a list of directors we gave you,”
Arnold Picker, Studio Boss
“They’re all very experienced and talented people who have tremendous track records. I mean, we know Teddy is very good at what he’s doing, but that’s television, not features.”
Arnold Picker, Studio Boss
Eastwood defended his preference, stating he was only comfortable with Post at the helm, demonstrating both his loyalty and assertiveness, even as a rising star. The studio, wanting to capitalize on his popularity, ultimately accepted his terms.
Producer’s Interference on Set Sparks Conflict
Once “Hang ‘Em High” began principal photography, Leonard Freeman—serving as both co-writer and producer—attempted to exercise influence over the direction of the film. Director Tim Post later described how Freeman would arrive in a manner reminiscent of classic studio moguls, evidently referencing Cecil B. DeMille, complete with boots and riding crop, attempting to alter scenes directly on set.
“with the Cecil B DeMille boots and the riding crop, banging the crop against the leather, going on the set and changing things.”
Tim Post, Director
The interference did not sit well with either Post or the rest of the crew, leading Post to consider confronting Freeman. However, Eastwood insisted that he would personally handle the situation. He told Post not to intervene, choosing instead to resolve the growing tension himself.
“No, don’t you do it, Ted,”
Tim Post, Director
Eastwood’s Ultimatum Shuts Down Further Disruption
After speaking privately with Freeman, Eastwood’s actions became evident: the producer was not seen again on the set for the remainder of production. Intrigued by the sudden absence, Post asked Eastwood how he had managed to remove Freeman so effectively. Eastwood relayed the ultimatum he gave:
“‘If you come on the set again, there’ll be no set, no crew, no actors, no director: stay away’. And he stayed away.”
Clint Eastwood, Actor
With these few words, Eastwood made clear his resolve to protect the creative process and support his chosen director. The cast and crew worked without further interruption, affirming the level of authority he already commanded despite not yet having directed his first feature or won his initial Oscar.
The Enduring Impact of Eastwood’s Uncompromising Stance
This decisive episode on the set of “Hang ‘Em High” became a defining moment for Clint Eastwood’s reputation, reinforcing the idea that he values a controlled, disciplined environment, free from external interference. Eastwood’s firmness with the producer demonstrated to both United Artists and his collaborators that he would not hesitate to back up his convictions, even at an early stage in his career. This approach would follow him through his decades as a filmmaker, contributing to his identity as both a formidable actor and an uncompromising director, making the story of the time Clint Eastwood banned a producer from his film set a memorable piece of Hollywood history.
