The title river unites a farmer recently released from prison, his young son, and an ambitious saloon singer. In order to survive, each must be purged of anger, and each must learn to understand and care for the others.

The film ran over schedule and budget due to mishaps caused when director Otto Preminger insisted that actors perform their own stunts for the scenes of the raft struggling down the rapids. On one occasion, Marilyn Monroe had to be saved from drowning when her boots filled with water, and on another occasion, she and Robert Mitchum had to be rescued when their raft became stuck on a rock and was on the verge of overturning. However, according to Lee Server#s biography "Robert Mitchum 'Baby I Don't Care'", they didn't do their own stunts. The people on the overturning raft were stuntmen: Big Roy Jenson, Helen Thurston and midget Harry Monty. Mitchum would often 'appropriate' anecdotes, this appears to be one of them. The stars where only allowed to perform on a raft secured to the riverbank, although Monroe did twist her leg.

Kay Weston:
One thing about this, the longer you last the less you care.

Revealing mistakes: The chords Kay plays on the guitar do not match the chords necessary for that particular song.

(uncredited)
Performed by Robert Mitchum
Lyrics by Ken Darby
Music by Lionel Newman