In January 1958, William A. Wellman's Darby's Rangers premiered. During the film's production, roles fluctuated: the lead, Charlton Heston, left the film and James Garner was given the lead, while Whitman wound up with Garner's original role, which dominated the first half of the picture then barely appeared in the second half. Whitman was one of several actors who tested for the role of Bart MaverickGarner, James & Winokur, Jon. The Garner Files: A Memoir, p. 55. Simon & Schuster, October 23, 2012. In March 1958, the contract with FOX became exclusive.PARAMOUNT GOING ABROAD FOR MUSIC: Film Score Will Be Recorded Elsewhere Because of Strike, The New York Times, March 6, 1958: p. 31. In June, production of Richard Fleischer's These Thousand Hills began. In May, Ten North Frederick began its theatrical run. Whitman later said he did this to get a choice small part and "many good things came from that". In August, Whitman appeared in China Doll.
In January 1958, William A. Wellman's Darby's Rangers premiered. During the film's production, roles fluctuated: the lead, Charlton Heston, left the film and James Garner was given the lead, while Whitman wound up with Garner's original role, which dominated the first half of the picture then barely appeared in the second half. Whitman was one of several actors who tested for the role of Bart MaverickGarner, James & Winokur, Jon. The Garner Files: A Memoir, p. 55. Simon & Schuster, October 23 2012. In March 1958, the contract with FOX became exclusive.PARAMOUNT GOING ABROAD FOR MUSIC: Film Score Will Be Recorded Elsewhere Because of Strike, The New York Times, March 6, 1958: p. 31. In June, production of Richard Fleischer's These Thousand Hills began. In May, Ten North Frederick began its theatrical run. Whitman later said he did this to get a choice small part and "many good things came from that". In August, Whitman appeared in China Doll.