Louise Brooks had earlier turned down an offer to appear in a Buck Jones western. However, by 1936 she was evidently grateful for the work in what would be one of her last films. She told a reporter, "I am delighted with my role in 'Empty Saddles'. It gives me an opportunity to do something, not just stand around and look pretty. I wouldn't trade it for all the other roles I ever had because I am really acting now, not just being an ornament, and I feel that, at last, I am on the road toward getting someplace in pictures."