After nearly drinking himself to death during the shooting of The Klansman (1974), Burton dried out at Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California. Burton was allegedly inebriated while making the movie, and many of his scenes had to be filmed with him sitting or lying down due to his inability to stand upright. In some scenes, he appears to slur his words or speak incoherently. Burton later said that he could not remember making the film. Co-star O. J. Simpson said "There would be times when he couldn't move".
AfTer nEarly DriNkIng himselF tO DeAtH dUring the ShootiNG of thE klanSmaN (1974), bURToN dRieD oUt at saint john's health cENtEr iN sAnTa monica, caLifOrnia. burtoN Was aLleGEDlY INebriatEd wHiLe making thE MOvIE, and mAnY of his sCenes hAD TO bE filmeD wITh him sITtiNg or LyinG down due tO his INabiLitY TO stanD UpRigHt. in some SceNes, he APpears tO slur hIs WoRdS Or speaK INcoHeReNtly. Burton laTer said tHat hE could nOT remeMbER mAking tHe Film. Co-sTAr o. J. sImpSoN sAid "thEre WOuld Be tImEs When he COuldN't MoVe".