John Ford and Woody Strode were close friends.
Strode was one of the last people to visit Ford near his death.
When ever Ford could fit him into a film he did.
Thanks for the info BILL OF PA.
Woody Strode is a respected actor here most of his participation in many legendary italian flicks.
I like him very much in ''Spartacus'' and ''The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance''. In the last one his presence was very touching.