SALLY FIELD RECALLS MITCHUM COLLABORATION ON 1967 WESTERN

Sally Field has described her experience working with Robert Mitchum on the 1967 western The Way West. Field, who played a settler named Mercy McBee, stated that Mitchum would sit with her during downtime on set but she struggled to comprehend what he said to her. The Oscar-winning actor said she would respond with agreement and laughter whilst pretending to understand his words, uncertain whether he was under the influence of substances.

Field appeared in the film alongside Mitchum, Kirk Douglas and Richard Widmark, playing one of a group of settlers travelling the Oregon Trail in 1843. At the time of filming, Field had only previously starred in the short-lived television programme Gidget. She described feeling overwhelmed by the experience and often sitting alone until Mitchum joined her. Mitchum's filmography included Out of the Past, The Night of the Hunter and the original Cape Fear.

Field recalled that the only phrase she understood clearly from Mitchum was when he told her, "You're one of us." She interpreted this as a factual statement rather than flattery or sentiment, and thanked him in response. Field said she did not fully grasp what Mitchum meant by the remark at the time of filming.