In Drums Across the River (1954) playing an important role in the action is Jay Silverheels as Taos, the warrior son of Ute chief Ouray (Morris Ankrum). Silverheels, on leave from playing Lone Ranger's Indian sidekick Tonto in The Lone Ranger (1949) series, delivers a solemn, regal performance. Future The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp (1955) series star Hugh O'Brian is a black-clad gunman with a deadly smile. Lisa Gaye, sister of the better-known Debra Paget, provides Murphy's love interest.
The Films of Audie Murphy authors Bob Larkins and Boyd Magers write that, "During the filming of Drums Across the River (1954), for realism, Audie Murphy insisted the prop guns be loaded with full charges instead of the usual quarter loads. Consequently, when Hugh O'Brian carelessly fired off his pistol near Audie's face, Murphy received powder burns on his face and neck."
Drums Across the River (1954) was shot mostly on the Universal back-lot, with location filming at Barton Flats, Red Rock Canyon State Park, San Bernardino National Forest, Burro Flats Simi Hills, Mojave desert, Kernville and Angeles National Forest, all in California. The Ute territory in Colorado, which had recently been damaged in a forest fire, was recreated for the film.
This was Audie Murphy's last film with Director Nathan Juran. Their three collaborations were Gunsmoke (1953), Tumbleweed (1953) and Drums Across the River (1954).