Trivia / Red Zone Cuba

• Acting for Two:
  • Producer Tony Cardoza plays both Landis and El Presidente himself.
  • Also happens with a few of the minor characters. For example, one of the executed prisoners (Juan Cruz, played by John Cruz) comes back almost immediately as a member of the firing squad that killed him!
• California Doubling: Once again various bleak wastelands in Kern, Ventura, and north Los Angeles Counties portray everything from Arizona to Cuba. Works reasonably well for the former, not nearly so well for the latter.
• The Cast Showoff: John Carradine famously sings the film's theme tune. His voice may be crusty, but surprisingly this works in favor of the bleak story.
• Creator Killer: The film's production soured Anthony Cardoza's working relationship with Coleman Francis since he had to take time away from work and family to fund Francis' movies out of his own pocket. The two parted ways after filming wrapped and Coleman spent the rest of his life as a bit actor.
• Money, Dear Boy: The only explanation for John Carradine being in this movie. A lot of people would be surprised at how much tasteless exploitation Carradine is in because of this very reason. In this case Coleman Francis and Tony Cardoza happened to see Carradine driving in the next lane on the freeway and offered him the role on the spot.
• No Budget: The film's budget was estimated to be $30,000.
• Stunt Casting: John Carradine again. His inclusion in the film was conspicuously promoted with a "guest star" credit, and yet he only appears for a few minutes at the beginning.

---